Aerospace Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 180+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$102,040
$49.06/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-21.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $156K
180 employed in Arkansas
Aerospace Engineer salary in Arkansas averages $102,040 per year, according to the most recent employment data. With approximately 180 aerospace engineers working in the state, this represents a modest but stable presence in the field. However, this median sits roughly 22% below the national average, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and less concentrated aerospace manufacturing sector compared to major industry hubs.
Several factors influence compensation for aerospace engineers in Arkansas, including experience level, educational background, and employer size. The salary range spans from $72,590 to $155,680 annually, indicating significant variation based on specialization and career progression. Geographic proximity to major defense contractors and aerospace facilities, along with local market demand for specialized skills, also play important roles in determining individual earnings within the state.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,590 |
| 25th percentile | $78,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,040 |
| 75th percentile | $124,500 |
| 90th percentile | $155,680 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,190 |
| 2024 | $103,900 |
| 2025 | $102,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,040 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,190 | $112,679 |
| 2024 | $103,900 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $102,040 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,040 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $124,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $155,680 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Aerospace Engineer ($102,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +37.8% | $67.60/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AR | $105,270 | +3.2% | $50.61/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AR | $103,900 | +1.8% | $49.95/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | -3.6% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | -5.1% | $46.57/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AR | $85,280 | -16.4% | $41.00/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AR | $85,020 | -16.7% | $40.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AR | $80,180 | -21.4% | $38.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AR | $67,850 | -33.5% | $32.62/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AR | $101,830 | -0.2% | $48.96/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AR | $103,490 | +1.4% | $49.75/hr |
| Database Administrator in AR | $104,070 | +2.0% | $50.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Arkansas?
- Aerospace engineers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $102,040 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is about 21.6% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Arkansas?
- The salary range for aerospace engineers in Arkansas spans from $72,590 at the lower end to $155,680 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
How many aerospace engineers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 180 aerospace engineers currently employed in Arkansas, representing a relatively small but established workforce in the state.
Is the aerospace engineer salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, aerospace engineer salaries in Arkansas are 21.6% below the national average, with the state median of $102,040 annually being notably lower than comparable positions nationwide.