Fayetteville vs Searcy: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Searcy, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,993 | $103,446▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.82 | $49.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,399▲ | $68,096 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,399 | $80,044▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,108 | $124,745▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,877 | $143,935▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Searcy, AR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Searcy is $16,453 (18.91%). Searcy's median is -17.27% 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,Searcy spans $75,839. Searcy 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, Searcy ($119,040 effective) pays 25.01% 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 Searcy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,446/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,935)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,040)
- ✓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 31.1% growth in Searcy over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$87,710 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)
Searcy, AR
$76,116 (2024) → $99,803 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Fayetteville or Searcy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Searcy?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Searcy as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Fayetteville vs Searcy?
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