Fayetteville vs Pine Bluff: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Pine Bluff, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Pine Bluff, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,993 | $106,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.82 | $50.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,399▲ | $66,395 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,399 | $79,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,108 | $135,442▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,877 | $160,950▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Pine Bluff, AR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Pine Bluff is $19,063 (21.91%). Pine Bluff's median is -15.18% 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,Pine Bluff spans $94,555. Pine Bluff 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, Pine Bluff ($122,044 effective) pays 28.16% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Pine Bluff if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,056/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,950)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,044)
- ✓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 20.3% growth in Pine Bluff over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$87,710 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)
Pine Bluff, AR
$85,060 (2020) → $102,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Pine Bluff, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Fayetteville or Pine Bluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Pine Bluff?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Pine Bluff as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Fayetteville vs Pine Bluff?
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