Fort Smith vs Rogers: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Rogers, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,255 | $83,872▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.07 | $40.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,810 | $58,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,001▲ | $66,508 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,237 | $106,980▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,559▲ | $130,001 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Rogers are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Rogers is $2,617 (3.22%). Rogers's median is -21.72% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $75,749,Rogers spans $71,248. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rogers ($96,516 effective) pays 2.02% more than Fort Smith ($94,606 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,559)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Rogers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,872/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,516)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Fort Smith grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Rogers over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$67,190 (2019) → $78,950 (2025)
Rogers, AR
$74,323 (2024) → $81,492 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Rogers, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Fort Smith or Rogers?
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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