Engineering Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Arkansas

The median aerospace engineer salary in Arkansas is $106,579 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $126,880.

Median Salary
$106,579
vs National
$-20,301
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Aerospace Engineer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer compensation. Aerospace Engineer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $106,579 per year, aerospace engineers in Arkansas earn $20,301 less than the national median of $126,880.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $106,579 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $126,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: aerospace engineers at the 10th percentile earn $65,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $161,280 — a $95,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $111,654.

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for aerospace engineers across the country.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,400 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
$-20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,400
$-29,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $84,000
Median (50th) $106,579
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $161,280

Aerospace Engineer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for aerospace engineers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Arkansas

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Arkansas is $106,579 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,579, a aerospace engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for aerospace engineers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level aerospace engineers earn $67,200, while senior professionals earn $155,400.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for aerospace engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for aerospace engineers is Hawaii at $215,696. Arkansas's median of $106,579 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($110,386) and Oklahoma ($109,117).
What is the entry-level aerospace engineer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level aerospace engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $67,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $107,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $155,400.
What city in Arkansas pays aerospace engineers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for aerospace engineers, with a median salary of $111,654. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.