Mechanical Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$80,180
$38.55/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-23.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $132K
1K employed in Arkansas
The median mechanical engineer salary in Arkansas is $80,180 per year, based on data from 1,410 employed professionals in the state. This represents a 24% decrease compared to the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. Salaries for mechanical engineers in Arkansas typically range from $57,650 to $131,840 annually, depending on individual qualifications and circumstances.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and the specific sector—whether manufacturing, aerospace, or other engineering fields—also play significant roles in determining compensation. Additionally, professional certifications and advanced degrees can impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,650 |
| 25th percentile | $65,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,180 |
| 75th percentile | $103,850 |
| 90th percentile | $131,840 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,570 |
| 2023 | $74,840 |
| 2024 | $78,570 |
| 2025 | $80,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,823 |
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 | $71,570 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $74,840 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $78,570 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $80,180 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,823 | $107,576 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,840 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Mechanical Engineer ($80,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +75.4% | $67.60/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AR | $105,270 | +31.3% | $50.61/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AR | $103,900 | +29.6% | $49.95/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AR | $102,040 | +27.3% | $49.06/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | +22.7% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | +20.8% | $46.57/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AR | $85,280 | +6.4% | $41.00/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AR | $85,020 | +6.0% | $40.88/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AR | $67,850 | -15.4% | $32.62/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in AR | $80,150 | -0.0% | $38.53/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in AR | $79,420 | -0.9% | $38.18/hr |
| Financial Analyst in AR | $81,110 | +1.2% | $39.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in Arkansas is $80,180 per year, or $39 per hour. This is approximately 23.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Arkansas?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Arkansas range from $57,650 at the lower end to $131,840 at the upper end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many mechanical engineers work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,410 mechanical engineers currently employed in Arkansas, making it a modest-sized segment of the state's engineering workforce.
Is the mechanical engineer salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas mechanical engineers earn 23.9% less than the national average, with a median of $80,180 compared to higher rates in other states.