Fayetteville vs Russellville: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Russellville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Russellville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,521 | $89,991▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68 | $43.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,668 | $69,443▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,603▲ | $75,745 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,522 | $114,302▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,225▲ | $139,486 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Russellville are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Russellville is $7,470 (9.05%). Russellville's median is -16.01% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $79,557,Russellville spans $70,043. Fayetteville 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, Russellville ($103,557 effective) pays 14.64% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,225)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Russellville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,991/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,557)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Fayetteville grew 18.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Russellville over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$67,710 (2019) → $80,180 (2025)
Russellville, AR
$71,388 (2024) → $87,438 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Russellville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Fayetteville or Russellville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Russellville?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Russellville as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Fayetteville vs Russellville?
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