Pipefitter in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Arkansas employs 3,370 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $48,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)

Arkansas median pay: $48,660 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $33,410
Experienced (75th percentile): $60,580
Top earners (90th percentile): $68,870
Employed in Arkansas: 3,370
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Arkansas markets:

Memphis: $58,690 (1,920 employed)
Fayetteville: $52,100 (830 employed)
Little Rock: $49,190 (890 employed)
Texarkana: $48,480 (150 employed)
Fort Smith: $48,350 (250 employed)
Jonesboro: $47,030 (160 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas

Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,660 median stretches to roughly $55,995 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)

Arkansas is projected to grow pipefitters employment +9.3%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Arkansas License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Arkansas pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Dept. of Health).

Arkansas has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work falls under the Arkansas Dept. of Health.

Official requirements: No standalone Arkansas pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Dept. of Health) →

Training in Arkansas

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Arkansas's steel, chemical, and manufacturing sectors drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:

Arkansas State University Three Rivers — Certificate / Associate
NorthWest Arkansas Community College — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Arkansas?

The median wage for pipefitters in Arkansas is $48,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $68,870. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Arkansas?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Arkansas pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Dept. of Health). Arkansas has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Arkansas?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Arkansas metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $58,690, followed by Fayetteville ($52,100), Little Rock ($49,190). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Pipefitter in Arkansas?

Real Arkansas options include Arkansas State University Three Rivers, NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Arkansas?

Arkansas projects pipefitters employment to change +9.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Arkansas pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Dept. of Health) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.