Solar Installer in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Solar installers in Arkansas earn a statewide median of $44,820, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $44,820 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $49,150
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,870
- Employed in Arkansas
- Not published (BLS suppressed)
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
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 $44,820 median stretches to roughly $51,577 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow solar installers employment +23.9%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential — regulated by the No dedicated Arkansas license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- Arkansas has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Training in Arkansas
Arkansas's solar market is growing. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in Arkansas
Real Arkansas power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Forgeview Solar — Blytheville
- Long Lake Solar, LLC — West Helena
- Flat Fork Solar — Wheatley
- Big Cypress Solar, LLC — Crawfordsville
- West Memphis Solar Station — Crawfordsville
- Newport Solar Project — Newport
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in Arkansas?
The median wage for solar installers in Arkansas is $44,820 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,870. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Arkansas?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential, overseen by the No dedicated Arkansas license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. Arkansas has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Arkansas?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Is Solar Installer a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects solar installers employment to change +23.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated Arkansas license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing (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; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.