Electrical Engineer Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $86,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Fayetteville, AR earns a median $86,993/year (≈ $41.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.4), that paycheck buys what $95,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.9% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For electrical engineers in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the outlook for 2026 indicates a median annual salary of $86,993, which reflects a competitive yet considerably lower figure than the national average of $125,033. Salary ranges suggest a wide dispersion; professionals can earn as little as $70,399 at the lower percentile, while those in top-tier roles may see compensation reach up to $120,877. These insights stem from projections based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, illuminating the city's job market dynamics. The region's engineering landscape is evolving, driven by both local demand and growth opportunities within various industry segments, particularly in technology and defense.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,399 | $33.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,399 | $33.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,993 | $41.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,108 | $54.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,877 | $58.12 |
Median Salary Position
30.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, AR, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,478 (2026 est.). At $86,993, the local median is 30.42% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fayetteville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fayetteville Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $86,993/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $108,606 | -19.90% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -30.42% less |
Electrical Engineers in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $86,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.42% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 19.90% below the Arkansas state average of $108,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 91.353 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $86,993 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,227 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.47% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$87,710
2025 BLS Actual
$83,930
2026 Current Est.
$86,993
2019–2027 Growth
+2.8%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew -4.3% from $87,710 (2019) to $83,930 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,459 (2.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $70,399 – $70,399 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,399 – $86,993 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,993 – $114,108 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,108 – $120,877 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Fayetteville
The local job market in Fayetteville currently employs around 170 electrical engineers, which contributes to a stable employment environment. With a cost of living index of 91.353, living expenses are below the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of salaries in this sector. Notable employers in the area, such as local defense contractors and tech firms, typically pay higher salaries; security clearance roles often command premium compensation. The disparity in pay can be linked to industry specialization—those working in semiconductors and chip design may receive better financial rewards compared to their counterparts in utilities and power systems. For engineers looking to maximize their earnings in Fayetteville, pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications like a PE license, and considering a focus on high-demand sectors can be advantageous. Understanding the nuances between the individual contributor and management tracks can also inform career strategy and salary expectations for electrical engineers in this region.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Fayetteville, AR in 2026?
Is Fayetteville, AR a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Fayetteville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Fayetteville?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Fayetteville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $83,930 for electrical engineersin the Fayetteville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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