Electrical Engineer Salary in Benton, AR: $106,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Benton, AR earns a median $106,443/year (≈ $51.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $122,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, AR, electrical engineers can expect a **median annual salary of $106,443** as of 2026, reflecting the area's growing significance in sectors like semiconductor design and defense contracting. The salary range for these roles spans from **$66,946** at the lower end (P10) to **$156,004** at the upper tier (P90). These figures, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, place Benton engineers below the **national median of $125,033**, with local compensation roughly **14.87%** lower. The job market in Benton notably highlights the premium for those engaged in chip and hardware design, with defense-related opportunities providing added financial incentives for roles requiring security clearance.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,946 | $32.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,706 | $38.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,443 | $51.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,324 | $63.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,004 | $75.00 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,058 (2026 est.). At $106,443, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Benton median: $106,443/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $108,616 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -14.87% less |
Electrical Engineers in Benton, AR earn a median of $106,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $108,616.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $106,443 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $122,489 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,881
2025 BLS Actual
$102,695
2026 Current Est.
$106,443
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,881 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,959 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,329 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $83,881 (2019) to $102,695 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,329 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,448 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,946 – $80,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,706 – $106,443 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,443 – $132,324 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,324 – $156,004 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Benton
Despite the competitive salary, the employment landscape for electrical engineers is limited, with only **five engineers** currently working in the area. The cost of living index in Benton stands at **86.9**, indicating a more affordable lifestyle relative to national standards, which enhances take-home pay potential. Notably, big-name employers like Lockheed Martin and Intel lead the way in offering the highest salaries in the region, especially for roles requiring advanced security clearances. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to various factors, including industry-specific demand, the level of education (such as PhD vs. master's), and whether one follows a management or individual contributor career path. For engineers seeking to maximize their salary in Benton, focusing on skills that cater to high-demand sectors like semiconductors while considering relocation to roles that include equity or RSU options can significantly impact their earning potential.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $102,695 for electrical engineersin the Benton metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov