Software Engineer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$86,940
$41.80/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
-18.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $135K
1K employed in Arkansas
Software Engineer salary in Arkansas averages $86,940 annually, with approximately 1,120 professionals employed across the state. This median sits 18% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $45,770 for entry-level positions to $135,140 for experienced engineers, demonstrating significant earning potential as professionals advance their careers.
Several factors influence software engineer compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, specific technical skills, and industry sector. Cost of living advantages compared to major tech hubs like California or New York contribute to the lower salary figures. Company size and location within the state also play important roles, with larger employers and positions in growing tech centers typically offering competitive wages that attract and retain top talent.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,770 |
| 25th percentile | $53,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,940 |
| 75th percentile | $111,360 |
| 90th percentile | $135,140 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer in Arkansas
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Arkansas — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 5 | $88,421 |
| 2 | UST Global Inc | 3 | $91,780 |
| 3 | Accenture LLP | 3 | $109,600 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Arkansas
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Arkansas.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $90,000 | 11 |
| Level III | Experienced | $110,226 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,720 |
| 2023 | $76,980 |
| 2024 | $77,830 |
| 2025 | $86,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,156 |
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 | $71,720 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $76,980 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $77,830 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $86,940 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,156 | $113,071 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,140 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Software Engineer ($86,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AR | $127,220 | +46.3% | $61.16/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in AR | $120,290 | +38.4% | $57.83/hr |
| Computer Programmer in AR | $111,840 | +28.6% | $53.77/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in AR | $110,400 | +27.0% | $53.08/hr |
| Data Scientist in AR | $109,390 | +25.8% | $52.59/hr |
| Statistician in AR | $105,720 | +21.6% | $50.83/hr |
| Software Developer in AR | $104,490 | +20.2% | $50.24/hr |
| Database Administrator in AR | $104,070 | +19.7% | $50.03/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AR | $103,490 | +19.0% | $49.75/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in AR | $81,760 | -6.0% | $39.31/hr |
| Network Administrator in AR | $81,590 | -6.2% | $39.23/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in AR | $59,460 | -31.6% | $28.59/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for software engineers in Arkansas is $86,940 per year, or $42 per hour. This is approximately 18.5% below the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Arkansas?
- Software engineer salaries in Arkansas range from $45,770 at the lower end to $135,140 at the higher end, depending on experience, skills, and employer.
How many software engineers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,120 software engineers currently employed in Arkansas, representing the job market size in the state.
Is the software engineer salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median software engineer salary in Arkansas at $86,940 annually is 18.5% below the national average, making it a more affordable market for employers but potentially offering lower compensation than other states.