Electrical Engineer Salary in Little Rock, AR: $112,668 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Little Rock, AR earns a median $112,668/year (≈ $54.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Little Rock's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $126,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In the electrical engineering field, professionals in Little Rock, AR, can expect a median annual salary of $112,668 in 2026, which reflects a notable disparity when compared to the national median of $125,033. Salaries for electrical engineers will vary widely, with the lowest earners receiving approximately $78,929 and the highest reaching around $146,551. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS reports projected into 2026. Specializations within the sector can significantly influence compensation levels, with semiconductor and chip design roles typically commanding the highest pay, surpassing both defense contractor positions and utility power system jobs. The demand for engineers with expertise in these areas plays a vital role in shaping the job market in Little Rock.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,929 | $37.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,134 | $43.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,668 | $54.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,762 | $68.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,551 | $70.46 |
Median Salary Position
9.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
In Little Rock, AR, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,622 (2026 est.). At $112,668, the local median is 9.89% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Little Rock: You'd be above the median
How Little Rock Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Little Rock median: $112,668/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $108,648 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | -9.89% less |
Electrical Engineers in Little Rock, AR earn a median of $112,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 3.70% above the Arkansas state average of $108,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Rock has a cost of living 10.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 89.364 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $112,668 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $126,078 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.9% 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
$84,520
2025 BLS Actual
$108,700
2026 Current Est.
$112,668
2019–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,668 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,780 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Rock metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 28.6% from $84,520 (2019) to $108,700 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,780 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,260 (38.17%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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) | $78,929 – $90,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,134 – $112,668 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,668 – $141,762 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,762 – $146,551 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Little Rock
Currently, 370 electrical engineers are employed in Little Rock, indicating a stable job market for this profession. Living in an area with a cost-of-living index of 89.364 allows engineers to enjoy a better purchasing power compared to many other regions across the nation. Among the largest employers in the area, companies involved in semiconductor manufacturing, such as Intel and Nvidia, often provide the most competitive salaries, while those in the defense sector and utility companies follow behind. The compensation gap can be attributed to several factors, including industry specialization and the requirements for security clearance, which can elevate salaries for certain positions. To maximize earnings, electrical engineers in Little Rock should consider pursuing advanced degrees or obtaining professional licensure as a PE, particularly in demand areas like chip design or cleared defense work. By strategically targeting high-growth sectors and continually upgrading their qualifications, professionals can enhance their electrical engineer pay in Little Rock AR significantly.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Little Rock, AR in 2026?
Is Little Rock, AR a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Little Rock?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Little Rock?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Little Rock?
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 $108,700 for electrical engineersin the Little Rock 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