Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,993 | $112,668▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.82 | $54.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,399 | $78,929▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,399 | $90,134▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,108 | $141,762▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,877 | $146,551▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $25,675 (29.51%). Little Rock's median is -9.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $50,478,Little Rock spans $67,622. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($126,078 effective) pays 32.40% more than Fayetteville ($95,227 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,668/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,551)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,078)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Fayetteville grew -4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$87,710 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$84,520 (2019) → $108,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov