Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Engineering
Mechanical Engineers Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mechanical engineers in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Mechanical Engineers in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more, followed by four years of work experience in engineering acceptable to the board.
- 2
Must submit five references, three of which are from professional engineers.
- 3
Must pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering and NCEES Principals of Practice of
- 4
Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more, followed by four years of work experience in engineering acceptable to the board. 2) Must submit five references, three of which are from professional engineers. 3) Must pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering and NCEES Principals of Practice of Engineering exams.
- Fees: Original Application fee: $75.00, Comity Application fee: $200.00, Temporary Permit: $150.00, Renewal fee (every 2 years): $80.00
- 5
Education: Degree required.
- 6
Experience: Work experience required.
- 7
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 8
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 9
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 10
The emphasis on application of scientific principles, rather than on their discovery, is the main distinguishing factor of an engineer's work from that of a scientist.
- 11
1) Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more, followed by four years of work experience in engineering acceptable to the board.
- 12
Original Application fee: $75.00,.
- 13
Comity Application fee: $200.00,.
- 14
Renewal fee (every 2 years): $80.00.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary Permit | $150.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (every 2 years
- Salary Position
$78,570 median (23% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more, followed by four yea...; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Temporary Permit: $150.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al fee (every 2 years; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $78,570, Mechanical Engineerss in Arkansas earn 23% below the national median of $102,320. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$78,570Hourly estimate
$37.7723% below national median
Difference: -$23,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMechanical Engineers Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Mechanical Engineers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Mexico | $141,490 |
| #2 | Alaska | $129,990 |
| #3 | California | $126,370 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $122,670 |
| #5 | Wyoming | $116,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mechanical Engineers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $78,570 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Missouri | $91,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $90,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $108,240 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $90,510 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors
P. O. Box 3750, 623 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock, AR, 72201-1009
Phone: 5016822824
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $49,620 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $70,340 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Electrical Engineers | $96,500 | Degree required | 2 years |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $100,600 | Degree required | 2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mechanical Engineers in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mechanical Engineerss in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mechanical Engineerss.
What education do you need to become a Mechanical Engineers in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mechanical Engineers licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Mechanical Engineers salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineerss in Arkansas is $78,570. Salaries range from $53,970 (10th percentile) to $122,250 (90th percentile).
How does the Mechanical Engineers salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineerss in Arkansas earn 23% below the national median of $102,320, with a state median of $78,570.
How many Mechanical Engineerss work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1,150 Mechanical Engineerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mechanical Engineers license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mechanical Engineerss in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing / AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.pels.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Mechanical Engineers license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al fee (every 2 years.