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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 318 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$131,100
  2. Process Engineering Manager$131,100
  3. Controls / Automation Manager$131,100
  4. VP of Engineering$131,100
  5. Director of R&D$131,100
  6. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$131,100
  7. NPI Manager$131,100
  8. Capital Projects Manager$131,100
  9. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$131,100
  10. Senior Industrial Engineer$131,100
  11. Senior Packaging Engineer$131,100
  12. Director of Automation$131,100
  13. Automation Manager$131,100
  14. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$131,100
  15. R&D Manager$131,100
  16. R&D Engineer$131,100
  17. Engineering Manager (Product)$131,100
  18. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$131,100
  19. Lead Product Development Engineer$131,100
  20. Purchasing Manager$125,330
  21. Strategic Sourcing Manager$125,330
  22. Procurement Manager$125,330
  23. Director of Procurement$125,330
  24. Commodity Manager$125,330
  25. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$114,550

Bars show the top 25 of 318 ranked. The table below lists all 318. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Fort Smith, AR-OK, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
2Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
3Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
4VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
5Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
6Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
7NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
8Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
9Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
10Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
11Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
12Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
13Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
14Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
15R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
16R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
17Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
18Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
19Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$101,760$131,100$160,8101000.75
20Purchasing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,990$125,330$157,970601.15
21Strategic Sourcing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,990$125,330$157,970601.15
22Procurement ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,990$125,330$157,970601.15
23Director of ProcurementPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,990$125,330$157,970601.15
24Commodity ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,990$125,330$157,970601.15
25CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$70,860$114,550$186,1602101.63
26Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$70,860$114,550$186,1602101.63
27Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$70,860$114,550$186,1602101.63
28PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$78,650$114,140$124,4302000.19
29MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$78,650$114,140$124,4302000.19
30SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$78,650$114,140$124,4302000.19
31Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$78,650$114,140$124,4302000.19
32Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$78,650$114,140$124,4302000.19
33Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
34Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
35Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
36Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
37Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
38Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
39Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
40Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
41Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
42VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
43Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
44Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
45QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
46Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
47Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
48FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
49FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
50Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
51QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
52Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
53Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
54Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
55Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
56Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
57Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
58Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
59Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
60QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
61Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
62CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
63Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
64Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
65Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$83,110$106,520$130,3302201.46
66CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
67Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
68Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
69VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
70Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
71Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
72FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
73Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
74Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$81,140$104,990$145,0204600.88
75Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$79,750$103,580$132,1201000.72
76Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$78,000$103,300$127,180600.64
77Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$78,000$103,300$127,180600.64
78Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$78,000$103,300$127,180600.64
79VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
80Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
81Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
82National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
83Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
84National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
85Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
86Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
87Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
88Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
89Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
90Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
91Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
92Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$73,170$99,110$155,2402300.58
93Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
94EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
95EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
96Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
97Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
98Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
99S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
100Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
101Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
102Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
103Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
104Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
105EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
106Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$69,520$98,500$122,0003600.93
107Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
108Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
109Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
110Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
111Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
112Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
113Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
114Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
115Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
116Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
117Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
118Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
119Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
120Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
121Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
122Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
123Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
124Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
125Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
126Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
127Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
128Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
129Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
130Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
131Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
132Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
133EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
134VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
135Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
136Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
137Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
138Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
139Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
140Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
141Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$78,060$97,460$108,4901500.69
142VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
143Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
144Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
145Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
146Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
147Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
148Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
149Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
150Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
151Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
152Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
153Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
154Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
155Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,360$83,370$115,5201300.94
156Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
157Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
158Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
159Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
160Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
161Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$67,650$79,890$100,820500.5
162Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
163Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
164Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
165Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
166Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
167Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
168Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
169Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
170Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
171Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
172Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
173CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$76,760$78,950$101,2801500.83
174Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$57,220$74,990$96,0702900.44
175Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$57,220$74,990$96,0702900.44
176VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
177VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
178Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
179General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
180Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
181EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
182Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
183Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$48,720$70,330$108,1802,3201.08
184Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
185Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
186Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
187Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
188Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
189Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
190Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
191Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
192Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$54,360$69,720$81,5205101.35
193Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,770$63,130$79,4401600.64
194Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,770$63,130$79,4401600.64
195Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$47,770$63,130$79,4401600.64
196Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$50,960$62,990$84,8505200.59
197Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$50,960$62,990$84,8505200.59
198Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$50,960$62,990$84,8505200.59
199Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$50,960$62,990$84,8505200.59
200Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
201Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
202Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
203Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
204Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
205CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
206Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
207Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$50,810$62,260$75,6701,1002.65
208Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$54,460$61,100$84,7201001.12
209Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$54,460$61,100$84,7201001.12
210Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$54,460$61,100$84,7201001.12
211Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$46,580$58,390$72,2704001.05
212Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$46,580$58,390$72,2704001.05
213Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
214Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
215Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
216Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
217Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
218Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
219Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
220Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
221Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
222Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
223Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
224Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
225Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
226Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
227Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
228Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
229End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
230Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$49,440$57,960$65,5907502.78
231Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$44,960$57,380$73,5902300.75
232CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$50,390$56,520$56,5203803.65
233Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$42,220$56,350$64,4501802.05
234Extrusion TechnicianExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4021)$55,380$55,380$55,3801504.1
235CNC ProgrammerComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162)$50,180$54,500$62,130301.89
236Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$39,710$52,500$64,5303700.79
237CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
2385-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
239Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
240CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
241Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
242Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
243EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
244CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
245Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
246Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
247Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
248Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
249Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,780$50,560$59,2902301.31
250MillwrightMillwrights (49-9044)$44,240$50,040$61,830502.03
251Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
252Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
253Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
254Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
255Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
256Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$39,560$48,560$64,2402000.82
257Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$41,430$48,160$57,5704101.64
258Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$36,600$47,850$49,1502002.21
259Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
260TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
261Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
262Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
263Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
264Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
265Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
266Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
267Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
268Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
269Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
270Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$40,030$46,630$50,1704001.56
271Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
272Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
273Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
274Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
275CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
276Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
277Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
278Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
279Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
280Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
281Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
282Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
283Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
284Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
285Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
286Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
287Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
288Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
289Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$36,050$45,850$50,1603402.17
290Overhead Crane Operator & RiggerCrane and Tower Operators (53-7021)$40,230$44,330$64,100903.33
291Robotic Welding TechnicianWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)$40,110$43,450$49,930402.17
292Food Process OperatorFood Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099)$38,460$43,160$47,1902305.67
293Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
294Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
295CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
296Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
297Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
298First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
299Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
300Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
301Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
302Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
303Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
304Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$38,330$41,440$52,0606401.73
305GMP Manufacturing TechnicianChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$36,080$40,820$53,980400.52
306Aseptic Fill OperatorChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$36,080$40,820$53,980400.52
307Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,510$40,480$48,5802001.87
308Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$37,510$40,480$48,5802001.87
309Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$36,780$39,480$44,3308101.7
310Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
311Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
312Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
313Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
314Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
315Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
316Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$35,010$39,160$48,4706201.23
317Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$27,050$31,200$34,8101,1500.84
318Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$27,050$31,200$34,8101,1500.84

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineer (Plant), Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, Sales Engineer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Chemical Operator, Bioprocess Technician, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Senior Controls Engineer, Lead Controls Technician, Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A), Lead Controls Engineer, Controls Supervisor, Product Development Scientist, QC Microbiology Manager, Inside Sales Engineer, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator.

State figures for Arkansas

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Fort Smith, AR-OK. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

The Fort Smith manufacturing sector shows diverse pay profiles for management and technical support staff. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager median is $131,100, which is lower than the $171,270 national median, with a local band width of $59,050. The Purchasing Manager role reports a local median of $125,330, beneath the $148,080 national median, with a band width of $55,980.

The CEO / President local median is $114,550, compared to the $213,990 national median, with a local band width of $115,300. Shipping & Receiving Leads show a median of $39,160, below the $45,260 national median, with a band width of $13,460. For Sanitation Technicians, the local median is $31,200, lower than the $36,840 national figure, with a band width of $7,760. Manufacturing Headhunters observes that these benchmarks provide a useful, though base-level, view of the regional economy.

Context is found in regional comparisons, as Plant Manager medians in Fayetteville and Hot Springs reach $136,410 and $103,580 respectively. The high location quotient of 1.63 for the CEO role indicates that this specific category has a higher local concentration than the U.S. average, despite the median pay difference. These figures represent annual salary units. For manufacturing occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The data uses standard SOC codes, which may contain various plant roles under one label, masking individual task-specific pay. For manufacturing occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded. These figures indicate baseline competitive positioning based on the latest May 2025 release cycle.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

Are the local Purchasing Manager salaries competitive with national medians?

For manufacturing occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

How does the Fort Smith CEO / President median compare to the national figure?

This indicates a potential regional variance in executive pay for this occupation classification.

What is the band width for the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in this market?

The band width for this role is $59,050, which measures the difference between the 75th and 25th percentile of pay for this specific title.

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

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