Civil Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$85,020
$40.88/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
-14.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $132K
2K employed in Arkansas
Civil Engineer salary in Arkansas averages $85,020 per year, according to current employment data. With approximately 1,870 civil engineers working throughout the state, this represents a significant portion of Arkansas's engineering workforce. However, this median falls about 14% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence civil engineer compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working on large infrastructure projects or in metropolitan areas typically earn toward the higher end of the $44,810 to $132,460 salary range. Specialization in high-demand areas like transportation or water systems can also impact earning potential in the state's competitive job market.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,810 |
| 25th percentile | $64,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,020 |
| 75th percentile | $105,090 |
| 90th percentile | $132,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,580 |
| 2023 | $78,310 |
| 2024 | $81,930 |
| 2025 | $85,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,227 |
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 | $76,580 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $78,310 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $81,930 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $85,020 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,227 | $102,890 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,460 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Civil Engineer ($85,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +65.4% | $67.60/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AR | $105,270 | +23.8% | $50.61/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AR | $103,900 | +22.2% | $49.95/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AR | $102,040 | +20.0% | $49.06/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | +15.7% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | +13.9% | $46.57/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AR | $85,280 | +0.3% | $41.00/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AR | $80,180 | -5.7% | $38.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AR | $67,850 | -20.2% | $32.62/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in AR | $84,480 | -0.6% | $40.62/hr |
| Construction Manager in AR | $86,310 | +1.5% | $41.50/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in AR | $83,580 | -1.7% | $40.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Arkansas?
- Civil engineers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,020 per year, or approximately $41 per hour. This is 14.3% below the national average for civil engineers.
What is the salary range for civil engineers in Arkansas?
- Civil engineer salaries in Arkansas range from $44,810 at the lower end to $132,460 at the higher end, depending on experience and specialization.
How many civil engineers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,870 civil engineers currently employed in Arkansas.
Is the civil engineer salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas civil engineers earn 14.3% less than the national average, with a median of $85,020 compared to higher national figures.