Mechanical Drafter Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Mechanical Drafters in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$59,960
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.83
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-16% vs US median
US median $71,550
State Rank
#41 of 47
250 employed here

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make in Arkansas?

A Mechanical Drafter working in Arkansas earns a median salary of $59,960 per year, or about $28.83 per hour. That is 16% below the national median of $71,550 for this occupation.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $48,850 while the top 10% make $81,010 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,860 and $70,750 a year.

Mechanical Drafter salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$48,850$23.49
25th percentile (early career)$51,860$24.93
50th percentile (median)$59,960$28.83
75th percentile (experienced)$70,750$34.01
90th percentile (top earners)$81,010$38.95

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 41st out of 47 states and territories for Mechanical Drafter pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New Mexico$89,940
2Colorado$85,280
3New Jersey$83,380
4California$82,510
5Texas$79,380

Working as a Mechanical Drafter in Arkansas

Nationally, about 40,000 people work as Mechanical Drafters in the United States. An associate degree (about 2 years of college) is the typical entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Arkansas pay ($59,960) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make in Arkansas?
The median Mechanical Drafter salary in Arkansas is $59,960 per year, or about $28.83 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,850 at the entry level to $81,010 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Mechanical Drafters about 16% less than the national median of $71,550. Arkansas ranks 41st out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Mechanical Drafters?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $59,960 a year. About 250 Mechanical Drafters are employed in Arkansas. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Mechanical Drafter salary report

Related salaries

Drafter, All Other

$63,520
median pay · 14,000 employed

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$74,510
median pay · 36,000 employed

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

$76,870
median pay · 18,000 employed

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$66,150
median pay · 104,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.