Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $21.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Fort Smith, AR runs $21.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,147 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the data analyst hourly pay stands at a median rate of $21.75, significantly lower than the national median of $38.65. This disparity presents a unique environment for individuals considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. For those working three days a week, their earnings might amount to around $1,044 monthly based on 24 hours of work, which limits their annual income potential compared to full-time counterparts. The hourly range for data analysts in Fort Smith varies from $12.62 for entry-level positions to as much as $33.73 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the typical pay structures one might expect in tech environments such as AI startups, quant trading firms, or even remote settings utilizing popular tools like Python and Jupyter notebooks. These figures are reflective of projections derived from annual salary data, providing a snapshot of what practitioners can anticipate earning as they navigate their careers.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.62 | $100.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.66 | $125.29 |
| Median (P50) | $21.75 | $174.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.84 | $222.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.73 | $269.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $21.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.75/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $45,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,103. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $870.11 | $3,770 | $45,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $522.07 | $2,262 | $27,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.04 | $1,508 | $18,098 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Fort Smith) | $21.75 |
| Data Analyst (National Avg) | $40.39 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Machine Learning Engineer (National Avg) | $66.77 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $50.61 |
Data Analysts in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $45,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.71% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $44,718.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.75/hr = $27,147/year (purchasing power: $31,240).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,246/year (purchasing power: $52,066).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.75/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Fort Smith (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Fort Smith grew 19.1% from $17.47/hr (2021) to $20.82/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem data analysts can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Smith metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Data Analyst in Fort Smith
The part-time earning potential for data analysts in Fort Smith can vary dramatically when compared to full-time opportunities. While a data analyst working full-time may earn just over $45,000 annually, part-time professionals may find themselves making less than half of that figure. Contract work, especially in specialized areas like machine learning engineering, offers a different financial motivation. Per-diem and contract roles often command rates between $100 and $200 per hour for routine assignments and can climb to $600 for boutique consultants in generative AI. This presents a financial trade-off for many—accepting lower hourly wages linked to full-time positions that also provide essential benefits versus pursuing higher freelance rates without such security. Location, such as Fort Smith, influences these dynamics, as large tech firms and startups tend to offer more competitive wages than smaller local enterprises. For those negotiating pay, transparency is key; researching local demand and common pay rates can empower analysts to secure better compensation in their specific scenarios.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for data analysts in Fort Smith. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Smith is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov