Phlebotomist Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $17.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a phlebotomist working in Fort Smith, AR runs $17.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9097). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,856 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for phlebotomists in 2026 is $17.51, which falls significantly below the national median of $22.72 per hour. This rate provides insight for those considering part-time or per-diem positions within various healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient service centers, plasma donation locations, and even mobile draws at corporate events. For a phlebotomist working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a modest income, while entry-level positions might start around $16.74 per hour, and experienced professionals can earn up to $21.11 hourly. This data is crucial for those contemplating the financial implications of entering the phlebotomy field in Fort Smith, reflecting current local economic conditions based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Phlebotomist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.74 | $133.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.17 | $137.34 |
| Median (P50) | $17.51 | $140.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.07 | $144.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.11 | $168.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $17.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.51/hr, a phlebotomist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $36,426 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,015. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (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) | $700.50 | $3,036 | $36,426 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $420.30 | $1,821 | $21,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $280.20 | $1,214 | $14,570 |
Compare PBT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomist (Fort Smith) | $17.51 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Phlebotomists in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $36,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.93% lower than the national median of $47,261 and 11.30% below the Arkansas state average of $41,066.
Phlebotomist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.51/hr = $21,856/year (purchasing power: $25,447).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,426/year (purchasing power: $42,411).
CoL index: 85.888 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Phlebotomists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for phlebotomists in Fort Smith grew 11.9% from $14.98/hr (2019) to $16.76/hr (2025). At a 4.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.30/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem phlebotomists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 4.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Phlebotomist in Fort Smith
Examining part-time roles, a phlebotomist working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $21,836 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem opportunities can offer more lucrative pay, with rates generally ranging from $20 to $30 per hour. Furthermore, mobile phlebotomy contractors often command rates of $25 to $45 per draw, making this an attractive area for those looking for flexible or supplementary income. Phlebotomists in Fort Smith slightly favor employment in plasma donation centers, where starting wages tend to be higher, competing effectively against more traditional healthcare settings. However, the choice may also boil down to job security and benefits; some professionals opt for lower hourly rates that include health coverage over gig-based work with higher pay but reduced stability. When negotiating hourly pay in Fort Smith, candidates should emphasize their certifications, including ASCP or NHA, to bolster their bargaining position.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MLT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory technology. She specializes in blood collection and processing. She works in a large urban hospital.
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 4.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for phlebotomists 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for phlebotomists (SOC 31-9097).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov