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Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Salary in Arkansas: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers salary really buy you in Arkansas?

Arkansas is 13.4% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$67,850
Median annual (2025)
+15.5%
Real Purchasing Power
$78,348
COL-adjusted (RPP=86.6)

Arkansas Cost of Living Index

Arkansas's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 86.6, meaning prices are 13.4% lower the national average. A Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers earning $67,850 in Arkansas has the equivalent purchasing power of $78,348 in an average-cost US state.

AR: 86.6
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Arkansas's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $46,720 $53,949 +$7,229
25th Percentile (P25) $48,880 $56,443 +$7,563
Median (P50) $67,850 $78,348 +$10,498
75th Percentile (P75) $84,610 $97,702 +$13,092
90th Percentile (P90) $119,010 $137,424 +$18,414
Key Insight

A Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas earns $67,850 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 15% further — like earning $78,348 in an average-cost state. This makes Arkansas one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Arkansas Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 86.6

Arkansas's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 86.6 means a basket of goods and services costs about 13.4% less than the national average. For a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+15.5%

Adjusting $67,850 for Arkansas's cost of living yields $78,349 — a 15.5% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#37 / 37

Arkansas ranks #37 of 37 — bottom quartile for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Idaho
$145,697
RPP 91.8
2. Arizona
$141,371
RPP 99.9
$130,736
RPP 97.7
$127,401
RPP 96.2
$123,130
RPP 88.8
6. Ohio
$121,912
RPP 91.5
$119,642
RPP 92.3
8. Indiana
$117,679
RPP 91.8
$116,608
RPP 109.4
10. Tennessee
$115,980
RPP 91.8

Arkansas ranks #37 out of 37 states for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers take-home pay in Arkansas after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas after cost of living?

A Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas earns a median salary of $67,850 per year. After adjusting for Arkansas's cost of living (RPP=86.6), the real purchasing power is $78,348 — a +15.5% difference.

Is Arkansas expensive to live in?

Arkansas's cost of living is 13.4% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Arkansas is 86.6 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas: $67,850 x (100 / 86.6) = $78,348. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in Arkansas enjoys 15.5% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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