Plumber Career Guide in Arkansas
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Arkansas.
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How to Become a Plumber in Arkansas
Plumbers in Arkansas install, repair, and maintain water supply, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, and related piping systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $49,700 per year, which is about $13,270 lower than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Arkansas complete a four-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association (UA) local unions, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), PHCC chapters, Arkansas Apprenticeship programs, technical colleges, or licensed plumbing contractors.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering the Arkansas State Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code (IPC), water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, hydronic systems, medical gas piping, backflow prevention, pipe installation, and OSHA safety standards.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Arkansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Arkansas median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Arkansas is approximately $13,270 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Arkansas
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Arkansas
Register as an Apprentice Plumber with the Arkansas Department of Health, enter a valid plumbing apprenticeship agreement, and work for a licensed Master Plumber under the supervision required by the apprenticeship rules.
Complete the approved apprenticeship program and its required practical training and related instruction before applying for the Journeyman Plumber examination. A Journeyman Plumber generally must hold that license for at least one full year before becoming eligible for the Master Plumber examination.
Arkansas Plumbing Code & International Plumbing Code
Students study the Arkansas Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code, water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, fixture installation, inspections, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training covers potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, storm drainage, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, and plumbing troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, industrial process piping, hydronic systems, gas piping, medical gas systems, mechanical rooms, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn plumbing layout, blueprint interpretation, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, valves, supports, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers trench safety, confined-space awareness, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Arkansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College | North Little Rock | View Program |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis | View Program |
| Northwest Technical Institute | Springdale | View Program |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas | View Program |
| Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus | Ozark | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Arkansas Office of Skills Development
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas regulates plumbers statewide through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Plumbing and Natural Gas Section. Individuals performing regulated plumbing work must hold the appropriate state-issued plumbing license or be registered as plumbing apprentices.
Arkansas issues Apprentice Plumber Registration, Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License, Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installer License, and Plumbing Inspector certifications. Most candidates begin as apprentices, complete the required supervised work experience and classroom instruction, then pass the Arkansas Journeyman Plumber licensing examination before working independently.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Arkansas
Arkansas provides steady employment opportunities for plumbers because of commercial construction, food processing, manufacturing, healthcare expansion, logistics, residential development, utilities, agriculture, and public infrastructure improvements.
Little Rock remains the state's largest plumbing employment market. Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Conway also support strong demand for licensed plumbers working in hospitals, universities, manufacturing facilities, food processing plants, distribution centers, residential developments, and commercial construction.
Continued growth in Northwest Arkansas together with statewide infrastructure improvements is expected to support long-term demand for plumbers throughout Arkansas.
Arkansas projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 310 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Arkansas?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Arkansas is approximately $49,700 per year, or $23.89 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Arkansas require plumber licensing?
Yes. Arkansas requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Arkansas?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 310 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Arkansas Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Plumber Wages
- Arkansas Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Plumber Employment Trends
- Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section — Licensing authority. Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section