Engineering Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Industrial Engineer Salary in Arkansas

The median industrial engineer salary in Arkansas is $80,052 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $95,300.

Median Salary
$80,052
vs National
$-15,248
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Industrial Engineer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for industrial engineer compensation. Industrial Engineer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,052 per year, industrial engineers in Arkansas earn $15,248 less than the national median of $95,300.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $80,052 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,300 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: industrial 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 $83,864.

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level industrial 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)
$80,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,280
$-22,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $80,052
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $124,320

Industrial Engineer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for industrial 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 Industrial Engineer in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median industrial engineer salary in Arkansas is $80,052 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,052, a industrial engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for industrial engineers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for industrial engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level industrial engineers earn $53,760, while senior professionals earn $119,280.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for industrial engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for industrial engineers is Hawaii at $162,010. Arkansas's median of $80,052 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($82,911) and Oklahoma ($81,958).
What is the entry-level industrial engineer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level industrial engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $53,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $119,280.
What city in Arkansas pays industrial engineers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for industrial engineers, with a median salary of $83,864. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.