Fort Smith metro job numbers down in May, tourism jobs set new record

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by Michael Tilley ([email protected]) ago 28 views 

Professional and Business Services sector job numbers continue to decline in the Fort Smith metro, with job numbers in the higher-paying category down more than 6% in May compared with May 2025. Jobs in the sector are down almost 9% in the past five years.

The Fort Smith metro had an estimated 102,300 nonfarm jobs in May, down 500 jobs, or 0.5%, compared with 102,800 jobs in May 2025., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Regional employment remains below the peak of 108,700 in September 2007.

The metro jobless rate in May was 4%, up from 3.8% in May 2025. The metro had 4,126 unemployed, up 7.2% from 3,848 in May 2025.

There was an estimated 10,300 Fort Smith metro jobs in the Professional and Business Services sector in May, down 6.4% compared with 11,000 jobs in May 2025, and down 8.8% compared with May 2021. Sector jobs include accounting, legal, management, consulting, administrative support and other specialized fields. Arkansas’ average pay in the sector is around $66,300, well above the state average of $53,800 for all Arkansas job sectors, according to the BLS.

Leisure and Hospitality jobs in the Fort Smith metro had an estimated gain of 300 jobs in May, with jobs in the sector up 10% since May 2021. The Education & Health Services sector posted a gain of 100 jobs in May compared with May 2025. Jobs in the sector are up 3% compared with May 2021.

Other Fort Smith metro sectors with job declines in May included Trade, Transportation, Utilities (down 200 jobs), and Government (down 100 jobs).

Job numbers were up less than 1% in Arkansas during May, with the number of unemployed up 7%, according to BLS data posted June 23. The state’s jobless rate in May was 4.2%, up from 4% in May 2025, but down from 4.3% in May. Estimated nonfarm payroll jobs in May totaled 1,345,300, up 5,900 jobs, or 0.4%, compared with 1,339,400 in May 2025. The number of unemployed was 60,560, up 7% compared with May 2025.

Jobs in the Northwest Arkansas metro during May were up 2.5%, up 1.1% in the Jonesboro metro, and up 0.2% in the central Arkansas (Little Rock) metro.

The numbers reflect significant revisions, based on methodology changes, implemented in January 2026. Prior to that, revisions were made to counties included in the estimates. In 2025, LeFlore County, Okla., was removed from the Fort Smith metro.

JOB SECTOR NUMBERS
Following are details on the region’s top seven job categories.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
May 2026: 20,500
May 2025: 20,700
May 2021: 21,400
The sector posted record employment of 22,500 in September 2022.

Education and Health Services
May 2026: 17,100
May 2025: 17,000
May 2021: 16,600
The sector first posted record employment of 17,100 in October 2024.

Manufacturing
May 2026: 17,800
May 2025: 17,700
May 2021: 15,700
The sector posted record employment of 29,200 in June 1999.

Government
May 2026: 13,200
May 2025: 13,300
May 2021: 13,800
The sector posted record employment of 14,900 in March 2021.

Professional and Business Services
May 2026: 10,300
May 2025: 11,000
May 2021: 11,300
The sector posted record employment of 12,900 in August 2007.

Leisure and Hospitality (tourism)
May 2026: 9,000
May 2025: 9,600
May 2021: 9,000
The sector posted record employment in the May report.

Mining, Logging, Construction
May 2026: 4,900
May 2025: 4,900
May 2021: 4,500
The sector first posted record employment of 7,400 in August 2008.