Engineering Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Environmental Engineer Salary in Arkansas

The median environmental engineer salary in Arkansas is $81,329 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,820.

Median Salary
$81,329
vs National
$-15,491
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Environmental Engineer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for environmental engineer compensation. Environmental Engineer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $81,329 per year, environmental engineers in Arkansas earn $15,491 less than the national median of $96,820.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $81,329 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,820 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: environmental engineers at the 10th percentile earn $51,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,320 — a $73,080 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 $85,202.

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for environmental engineers across the country.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,280 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
$-10,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,320
$-15,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,280
$-22,720 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $81,329 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $81,329
75th Percentile $102,480
90th Percentile $124,320

Environmental Engineer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for environmental 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 Environmental Engineer in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Environmental Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $37,951 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Environmental Engineer Roles in Arkansas?

Get matched with recruiters hiring environmental engineers in Arkansas at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Arkansas is $81,329 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,329, a environmental engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for environmental engineers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for environmental engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level environmental engineers earn $53,760, while senior professionals earn $119,280.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for environmental engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental engineers is Hawaii at $164,594. Arkansas's median of $81,329 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($84,233) and Oklahoma ($83,265).
What is the entry-level environmental engineer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level environmental engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $53,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $119,280.
What city in Arkansas pays environmental engineers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for environmental engineers, with a median salary of $85,202. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.