Plumber in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Arkansas employs 3,370 plumbers, 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 Plumbers 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 plumbers 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 plumbers 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
Journeyman Plumber license — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Plumbing & Natural Gas.
- Register as an apprentice plumber and build supervised experience.
- Pass the journeyman trade exam (75% to pass).
- Apply through the Arkansas Dept. of Health; add a master plumber license to contract independently.
Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Health — Plumbing & Natural Gas →
Training in Arkansas
UA Locals and PHCC contractors offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships. Arkansas regulates plumbing through the Dept. of Health.
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 durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.
Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.
Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.
First Steps
Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Arkansas?
The median wage for plumbers 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 Plumber in Arkansas?
Journeyman Plumber license, overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Plumbing & Natural Gas. Register as an apprentice plumber and build supervised experience.
Is being a Plumber a good career in Arkansas?
Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.
Which Arkansas metros pay plumbers 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 Plumber in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas State University Three Rivers, NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Most plumbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Plumber a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects plumbers 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 Arkansas Dept. of Health — Plumbing & Natural Gas (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.