Mechanical Engineer Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The median mechanical engineer salary in Fayetteville, AR is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.
Mechanical Engineer Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)
Fayetteville offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $84,753, which is $3,853 above the Arkansas state average of $80,900. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $84,753 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for mechanical engineers in Fayetteville spans from $55,792 at the 10th percentile to $128,656 at the 90th percentile — a $72,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Fayetteville by Experience
In Fayetteville, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR
| Percentile | Fayetteville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,344 |
| Median (50th) | $84,753 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,248 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,656 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Fayetteville
Education
Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Fayetteville
Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Fayetteville, AR: