Jacksonville vs Little Rock: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Jacksonville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,285▲ | $85,214 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.93▲ | $40.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,401▲ | $59,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,261 | $71,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,010 | $115,212▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,391 | $141,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville and Little Rock are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Little Rock is $4,071 (4.78%). Jacksonville's median is -13.73% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $75,990,Little Rock spans $82,596. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($102,745 effective) pays 7.75% more than Little Rock ($95,356 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,285/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,745)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,660)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Jacksonville grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jacksonville, AR
$70,743 (2024) → $86,997 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$75,060 (2019) → $83,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Jacksonville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Little Rock as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Jacksonville vs Little Rock?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov