Benton vs Little Rock: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Benton, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,220 | $96,539▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.85 | $46.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,529▲ | $60,332 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,734 | $76,078▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,905 | $129,916▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,179 | $138,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $5,319 (5.83%). Little Rock's median is -9.90% 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,Little Rock spans $78,641. Little Rock 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, Little Rock ($108,029 effective) pays 2.91% more than Benton ($104,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,539/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,973)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,029)
- ✓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 32.8% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$72,363 (2024) → $88,632 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$70,620 (2019) → $93,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Benton or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Benton to Little Rock as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Benton vs Little Rock?
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