Hot Springs vs Jonesboro: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,342▲ | $98,727 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.13▲ | $47.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,714▲ | $64,926 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,504▲ | $75,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,077▲ | $108,304 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,657▲ | $110,159 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Hot Springs, AR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Jonesboro is $7,615 (7.71%). Hot Springs's median is -14.95% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $88,943,Jonesboro spans $45,233. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hot Springs ($122,373 effective) pays 6.44% more than Jonesboro ($114,965 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,342/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,657)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,373)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Hot Springs grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 85.4% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$78,248 (2024) → $102,597 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$51,380 (2019) → $95,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Hot Springs or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Jonesboro as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Hot Springs vs Jonesboro?
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