Engineering Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median mechanical engineer salary in Little Rock, AR is $83,790 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$83,790
vs State Avg
+$2,890
vs National
$-12,520
Cost of Living
87%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $83,790, which is $2,890 above the Arkansas state average of $80,900. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $83,790 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Little Rock spans from $55,158 at the 10th percentile to $127,194 at the 90th percentile — a $72,036 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,550, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,060. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $56,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,520
$-12,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,060
$-17,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $55,158
25th Percentile $68,556
Median (50th) $83,790
75th Percentile $104,052
90th Percentile $127,194

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$84,753
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$80,900
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$78,974
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$77,048
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Little Rock

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Little Rock, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $83,790 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $55,158 (10th percentile) to $127,194 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,790, a mechanical engineer in Little Rock earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Little Rock's median mechanical engineer salary of $83,790 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $80,900. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $83,790 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Little Rock? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Little Rock require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.