Materials Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 90+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$103,900
$49.95/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
-4.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $159K
90 employed in Arkansas
Materials Engineer salary in Arkansas averages $103,900 per year, which is approximately 5% below the national average. With roughly 90 materials engineers currently employed in the state, this represents a modest but stable segment of Arkansas's engineering workforce. Salaries in this field range from $80,120 to $159,440 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Materials Engineer salary in Arkansas, including years of professional experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working in advanced manufacturing or aerospace typically earn higher compensation than those in smaller operations. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specific technical expertise in areas like metallurgy or polymer science also play important roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,120 |
| 25th percentile | $100,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,900 |
| 75th percentile | $125,370 |
| 90th percentile | $159,440 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,880 |
| 2023 | $95,010 |
| 2024 | $100,330 |
| 2025 | $103,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,597 |
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 | $98,880 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $95,010 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $100,330 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $103,900 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,597 | $112,742 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,370 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,440 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Materials Engineer ($103,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +35.3% | $67.60/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AR | $105,270 | +1.3% | $50.61/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AR | $102,040 | -1.8% | $49.06/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | -5.3% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | -6.8% | $46.57/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AR | $85,280 | -17.9% | $41.00/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AR | $85,020 | -18.2% | $40.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AR | $80,180 | -22.8% | $38.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AR | $67,850 | -34.7% | $32.62/hr |
| Database Administrator in AR | $104,070 | +0.2% | $50.03/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AR | $104,170 | +0.3% | $50.08/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AR | $103,490 | -0.4% | $49.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Arkansas?
- Materials engineers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $103,900 per year, or approximately $50 per hour. This is about 4.6% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Arkansas?
- Materials engineer salaries in Arkansas range from $80,120 at the lower end to $159,440 at the upper end, depending on experience and qualifications.
How many materials engineers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 90 materials engineers currently employed in Arkansas, making it a relatively specialized field in the state.
Is the materials engineer salary in Arkansas higher than the national average?
- No, the median salary for materials engineers in Arkansas is 4.6% lower than the national average, with Arkansas professionals earning $103,900 compared to higher national figures.