Benton vs Fayetteville: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Benton, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,220▲ | $82,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.85▲ | $39.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,529▲ | $62,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,734 | $76,603▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,905▲ | $106,522 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,179 | $142,225▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Benton and Fayetteville are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $8,699 (10.54%). Benton's median is -14.87% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $73,650,Fayetteville spans $79,557. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($104,971 effective) pays 16.21% more than Fayetteville ($90,332 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,220/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,971)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,225)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Benton grew 22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$72,363 (2024) → $88,632 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$67,710 (2019) → $80,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Benton or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fayetteville as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Benton vs Fayetteville?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov