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H-1B data current through FY 2026 Q1

H-1B Visa Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR has 247 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR is $100,000, which is 23% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Smith, AR is ARCBEST TECHNOLOGIES.

Post-$100K-fee sponsorship status

FY 2026 Q1: 4 certified LCAs in Fort Smith, AR

Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.

Market remains active
5
FY 2020
0
FY 2021
1
FY 2022
3
FY 2023
0
FY 2024
5
FY 2025
4
FY 2026
Certified H-1B LCAs in Q1 (Oct–Dec) of each fiscal year for Fort Smith, AR: FY 2020: 5; FY 2021: 0; FY 2022: 1; FY 2023: 3; FY 2024: 0; FY 2025: 5; FY 2026: 4;

Employers filed 4 certified H-1B LCAs for Fort Smith, AR in FY 2026 Q1 — the first quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025. The 6-year Q1 baseline (FY 2020–2025) averages 4 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 0% above historical norms.

Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (5 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Fort Smith, AR is down 20%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 1 (low) to 5 (peak in FY 2020).

These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec for each fiscal year. LCAs do not distinguish fee-exposed new-hire petitions from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions that are exempt from the $100K fee, so a soft FY 2026 Q1 number does not necessarily mean fewer H-1B workers are in Fort Smith, AR.

247
Certified Filings
FY 2020-2026
$100,000
Median Salary
-23% vs national
15
Employers
Sponsoring H-1B
7
Years of Data
FY 2020-2026

Salary Analysis for Fort Smith, AR

Salary Percentiles

  • 10th percentile: $57,242
  • 25th percentile: $68,016
  • Median: $100,000
  • 75th percentile: $147,888
  • 90th percentile: $250,000

Wage Level Distribution

  • Level I (Entry): 31 (13%)
  • Level II (Qualified): 71 (30%)
  • Level III (Experienced): 54 (23%)
  • Level IV (Expert): 84 (35%)

Market Insights

  • Top employer: ARCBEST TECHNOLOGIES
  • Market share: 21%
  • Salary range: $31,327 - $669,507

Salary Visualizations

Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR

Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers

Wage Level Distribution

H-1B positions by DOL wage level

Top H-1B Employers in Fort Smith, AR

Rank Employer H-1B Filings Median Salary
1 ARCBEST TECHNOLOGIES 52 $109,262
2 MERCY CLINIC FORT SMITH COMMUNITIES 48 $205,379
3 RHEEM MANUFACTURING 30 $92,800
4 TATA 20 $66,872
5 UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH 13 $68,000
6 BAPTIST HEALTH SERVICES 13 $350,000
7 PRIME PHYSICIANS 12 $240,000
8 ARCBEST II 7 $109,000
9 BAPTIST HEALTH GROUP 6 $58,323
10 L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES 4 $98,000
11 EY 4 $224,596
12 HOSPITALIST SERVICES OF ARKANSAS, PC 3 $200,013
13 GERBER PRODUCTS 2 $120,000
14 CYIENT 2 $84,000
15 BAPTIST HEALTH 2 $50,814

Key Insights

The median H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR is $100,000, based on 247 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 23% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.

Salaries span a $192,758 range from the 10th percentile ($57,242) to the 90th percentile ($250,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Fort Smith, AR earn between $68,016 and $147,888. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level IV (expert), with 87% at Level II or above.

ARCBEST TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Smith, AR, with 52 certified filings (21% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $109,262. Among the top sponsors, BAPTIST HEALTH SERVICES pays the highest median at $350,000. The pay spread across top employers is 589%.

Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

What is the average H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The median H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR is $100,000, based on 247 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 23% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Fort Smith, AR reflect the local cost of living, industry mix, and prevailing wage requirements set by the Department of Labor. The DOL determines minimum wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, ensuring H-1B workers are paid competitively with local labor markets. These salary figures represent base compensation in LCA filings and typically don't include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits.

10th percentile
$57,242
25th percentile
$68,016
Median
$100,000
75th percentile
$147,888
90th percentile
$250,000

H-1B salaries in Fort Smith, AR range from $57,242 at the 10th percentile to $250,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $192,758 spread. The 25th percentile is $68,016 and the 75th percentile is $147,888.

Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Fort Smith, AR?

Fort Smith, AR has 15+ employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas, ranging from large technology companies to consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. H-1B sponsorship patterns in Fort Smith, AR reflect the local economy and industry presence. Major employers sponsor multiple positions across various job functions, while smaller companies may sponsor selectively for specialized roles. When evaluating potential sponsors, consider their sponsorship volume, salary offerings, approval rates, and career growth opportunities.

Top H-1B sponsors in Fort Smith, AR:

ARCBEST TECHNOLOGIES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Fort Smith, AR with 52 filings at a median salary of $109,262. MERCY CLINIC FORT SMITH COMMUNITIES follows with 48 filings.

How many H-1B jobs are in Fort Smith, AR?

Fort Smith, AR has 247 certified H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026 across 15+ employers. These LCA filings represent H-1B positions that employers intend to fill, though actual hiring depends on visa lottery selection and USCIS approval. The volume of H-1B activity in Fort Smith, AR indicates strong demand for skilled international workers. Job opportunities span various industries and experience levels, with most positions requiring specialty occupations that need at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.

The most common H-1B job titles in Fort Smith, AR include .

How does Fort Smith, AR compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?

Fort Smith, AR's median H-1B salary of $100,000 is 23% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. When comparing cities, consider both salary levels and cost of living. Higher salaries in major metro areas often correspond to higher housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. Fort Smith, AR's H-1B market reflects its economic profile, industry presence, and competition for skilled workers. Beyond salary, job seekers should evaluate career growth opportunities, company culture, visa processing track records, and quality of life factors when choosing where to pursue H-1B employment.

vs National H-1B Median
Fort Smith
$100,000
National
$130,541
-23% below national median

Fort Smith, AR's H-1B salaries are below the national median, which may be offset by lower cost of living.

What is the highest H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Fort Smith, AR is $250,000, representing the top tier of H-1B compensation in this market. These high-end salaries typically go to senior engineers, specialized researchers, executives, and professionals with rare expertise. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, advanced degrees, specialized skills, and negotiating leverage. Note that H-1B salary data represents base wages filed in LCA applications and may not reflect total compensation including bonuses, stock grants, and benefits that can significantly increase earnings.

Salary Percentiles
10th
$57,242
25th
$68,016
Median
$100,000
75th
$147,888
90th
$250,000

The top 10% of H-1B workers in Fort Smith, AR earn $250,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $57,242 or less. This $192,758 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.