Welding Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas is an excellent destination for starting a welding career. This is partly due to the competitive salary and pathways for career growth and partly due to the increasing employment rate for welders in the state.

As a resident of Arkansas looking to start a welding career, it is unavoidable to make some important decisions along the way. For instance, candidates must select their training programs, the exact training arrangement, certification options, and more.

The guide on this page aims to introduce candidates to all of these requirements and considerations from the start so they can be well-informed and confident enough to make the right decision for their prospective careers. We explore the educational requirements, certification options, potential salary, and more.

How to Become a Welder in Arkansas

Here are the requirements needed to become a successful welder in Arkansas.

Research & Preparation

Prospective welders commonly familiarize themselves with various welding disciplines before starting their careers. After identifying the options (such as gas tungsten arc welding and gas metal arc welding), candidates may prepare relevant documents, such as their high school diploma or GED tests.

Completing Welding Courses

The right welding courses can set candidates on the path toward success right from the start. Community colleges and trade schools offer associate degrees and certificates that provide an edge regarding job placement.

Certificate options last 6 months and are perfect for those who want to move on to the next step as quickly as possible. Associate degree programs last 18 to 24 months.

Although rarer, a prospective welder can also pursue a bachelor’s degree, especially in complex specialty areas.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience follows classroom training. Welders tend to acquire hands-on experience through apprenticeship programs. Here, they will learn relevant skills under the supervision of qualified welders who also offer mentorships.

Additionally, some apprenticeship destinations help students acquire full-time job placement.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an HVAC technician in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Although neither a license nor professional certification is required to start a professional career as a welder in Arkansas, candidates are advised to focus on becoming certified. Certification offers opportunities ranging from networking and continuing education to skills verification and specialty focus.

The American Welding Society offers several high-quality credentials that candidates can leverage to improve their welding careers nationwide. Candidates specializing in general welding technology may pursue the Certified Welding Technologist credential.

Inspectors and educators may pursue the Certified Welding Educator credential.

Naturally, anyone pursuing a welding credential in Arkansas should be prepared to sit for relevant certification examinations and continually renew their credentials via further education.

Top Welding Schools in Arkansas

The following are the top programs for aspiring welders in Arkansas.

Explore welding schools in Arkansas by city:

• Welding schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

In Arkansas, the common figure regarding a welder’s annual average salary is $62,086. This was revealed by a survey of welders in the state and reflects the annual earnings for the majority, who typically fall into the median earning category.

The bottom 10% in the state can earn an average of around $46,062 at the end of the year, while the highest-paid manage an annual average salary of around $83,685 or more. Experience and location play a role in deciding where a welder falls in these categories.

In terms of location, the best place to work as a welder in Arkansas for a potentially high salary is Lowell, where welders average a salary of $114,160 at the end of the year. Those working in Bentonville average an annual salary of $68,225, while welders in Little Rock earn around $65,261 annually.