Plumbing Schools in Arkansas

Plumbers in Arkansas are considered to be very versatile. They can work in several environments, including homes, businesses, hospitals, etc. They are called upon to facilitate smooth drainage and effective water delivery systems.

Residents of the state who would like to pursue a career in this field will be glad to know that demand for plumbers in Arkansas continues to increase and is expected to keep up this momentum. They will also be glad that the state is home to several top-class institutions offering robust education that helps candidates start their careers on a strong path.

The guide below examines the best of these institutions and gives interested individuals a clear picture of how to start a plumbing career in Arkansas.

How to Become a Plumber in Arkansas

Plumbers in Arkansas typically begin their careers by following the outline below.

Age & Basic Requirements

Arkansas requires aspiring plumbers to be at least 16 years old before registering as apprentices. It is also very helpful for a candidate to possess a high school diploma already, and those who don’t have the diploma can use a GED test in its place.

Training Possibilities

Once they meet the above requirements, individuals may proceed to register as an apprentice before they can start their hands-on plumbing training. Candidates may choose to go through two broad approaches for comprehensive education:

• Academic Training—It is possible to become a plumber in Arkansas by attending an academic program through a community college or a trade school. Most of these programs can be completed in a few months, leading to a certificate, or a couple of years, leading to an associate degree.
• Apprenticeship Training—After completing an academic program or instead of attending one, candidates may participate in an apprenticeship program that is recognized by the Department of Labor. Students learn for around five years under the supervision of licensed plumbers before they can apply for a state license to work in a full-fledged professional capacity.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a CNC machinist in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Plumbers in Arkansas must be licensed before they can work professionally. The Arkansas Department of Health is responsible for issuing testing and certification for plumbers.

The first licensing category that fresh candidates must consider is the journeyman license. For this category, applicants need to fulfill the requirements listed above. Then, they can send an official application, pass the relevant journeyman licensing examination, and pay the licensing fees.

Journeyman plumbers in Arkansas who have worked for a year with this license category can proceed to apply for a master plumber license, which is the second licensing category for this profession in this state. Plumbers are expected to renew their licenses every year to maintain their validity.

Top Plumbing Schools in Arkansas

The programs below are appropriate for aspiring plumbers in Arkansas.

Explore plumbing schools in Arkansas by city:

• Plumbing schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

Location is a major factor that can influence the annual average salary of a plumber in Arkansas. Lowell is where plumbers in the state earn the most, with an annual average salary of $113,472. Those who work in Bentonville and Little Rock also take home competitive salaries as plumbers, with annual average salary figures of $68,183 and $65,223.

However, the annual average salary of plumbers in Arkansas was shown to be around $62,490 for the median earners. On the extreme ends of the salary spectrum, we have the lowest-paid, who manage an annual average salary of $47,012, and the highest-paid, who take home an annual average salary of $83,065.

Other factors, such as location, experience level, specialty area, and nature of the employer, greatly alter a plumber’s salary in the state. For future projections, the Bureau of Labor Statistics insists on a year-on-year increase in the employment rate for plumbers nationwide.