Chemical Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 290+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$105,270
$50.61/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
-9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $159K
290 employed in Arkansas
Chemical engineers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $105,270 per year, which sits about 9% below the national average for the profession. With approximately 290 workers employed in this field across the state, Arkansas offers a moderately sized job market for chemical engineers. Salaries in the state range from $80,480 at the entry level to $159,150 at the high end, reflecting significant earning potential based on experience and expertise.
Several factors influence chemical engineer salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific industry sector. Engineers working in petrochemical refineries or manufacturing facilities typically command higher compensation than those in smaller operations or service roles. Geographic location within Arkansas, employer size, and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining individual pay levels within the profession.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,480 |
| 25th percentile | $93,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,270 |
| 75th percentile | $130,860 |
| 90th percentile | $159,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,610 |
| 2023 | $91,440 |
| 2024 | $99,020 |
| 2025 | $105,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,586 |
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 | $83,610 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $91,440 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $99,020 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $105,270 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,586 | $122,571 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $93,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $130,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,150 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Chemical Engineer ($105,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +33.6% | $67.60/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AR | $103,900 | -1.3% | $49.95/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AR | $102,040 | -3.1% | $49.06/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | -6.5% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | -8.0% | $46.57/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AR | $85,280 | -19.0% | $41.00/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AR | $85,020 | -19.2% | $40.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AR | $80,180 | -23.8% | $38.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AR | $67,850 | -35.5% | $32.62/hr |
| Statistician in AR | $105,720 | +0.4% | $50.83/hr |
| Software Developer in AR | $104,490 | -0.7% | $50.24/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | +1.0% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for chemical engineers in Arkansas is $105,270 per year, or $51 per hour. This is approximately 9.0% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Arkansas?
- Chemical engineers in Arkansas earn between $80,480 and $159,150 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. This represents a significant range of nearly $79,000 across the profession in the state.
Is chemical engineering a good paying job in Arkansas compared to the US average?
- Chemical engineers in Arkansas earn $105,270 on average, which is 9.0% lower than the national average. However, this still represents a solid middle-to-upper income level for the state.
How many chemical engineers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 290 chemical engineers currently employed in Arkansas, indicating a relatively specialized but established workforce in this field.