How to Become a Plumber in Arkansas

In a state with such a strong work ethic as Arkansas becoming a plumber is a great career choice.

Embarking on a career in plumbing means that you will be working in a profession that combines theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and most importantly practical work.

If you want to have the satisfaction of knowing that people’s homes and businesses are running smoothly because of you, then plumbing is the perfect career for you.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about becoming a plumber in Arkansas.

How to Become a Plumber in Arkansas – Step by Step

You must be at least 16 years old to start your plumbing training.

To legally work as a plumber in Arkansas you will need to get your plumbing license.

The state gives out the following licenses:

• Apprentice Registration
• Journeyman License
• Master License

Before you can apply to get your journeyman plumber license you have to have experience as an apprentice to an already licensed plumber.

Apprenticeship

Becoming an apprentice to a licensed plumber is the first step to becoming a plumber yourself.

You must have at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice to apply for a journeyman license.

To become an apprentice you are required to register with the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section.

You will find all the instructions you need and the application form on their website: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/plumbing-natural-gas

In addition to applying you are required to pay a $25 application fee.

After completing these steps you will be able to start your 4 years of on-the-job experience under the supervision and tutoring of Akensas’ best plumbers.

During these 4 years, you are required to gain 8,000 hours of work experience and 640 hours of classroom education.

Most apprenticeship programs will provide you with classroom tutoring during the 4 years of practical training.

An alternate/addition to the apprenticeship could be a plumbing college degree or other classroom education program that offers the 4 years of experience needed.

Journeyman Plumbing License

After you have completed your 4 year apprenticeship or college degree you can proceed to apply for a journeyman plumbing license.

To receive the journeyman license you must apply for the trade exam.

You will find details and instructions on how to apply at the Plumbing Examiner’s Committee Arkansas Department of Health

The application fee is $75, and the exam fee is also $75.

You will also need to provide proof of your 4 years of experience.

The Committee of Plumbing Examiners will contact you to let you if you have been approved or denied to take the journeyman exam.

If you are denied they will send you a letter explaining why you weren’t a compatible candidate to take the exam.

If you are approved you go on to take the journeyman exam.

In order to pass the exam you need to score 70% or higher.

When you pass the exam you will apply to get your license.

Master Plumbing License

To take the next step and become a master plumber you need to have at least one year of experience working as a journeyman plumber.

After having met this criterion you can proceed to apply for and take the master exam.

The application and exam processes are the same as for the journeyman exam.

The application fee is $200 and the exam fee is $125.

You will need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam and get a master plumbing license.

Plumbing Schools in Arkansas

With such a high demand for plumbers, it is no wonder that Arkansas offers a variety of apprenticeships, courses, and college degrees to make sure they have the best plumbers possible.

Here we’ll share some of the best schools and apprenticeship programs in the state.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers a 12-month course called Foundations of Plumbing.

The course consists of 145 course hours.

By taking this course you will learn all about:

• Basic concepts of plumbing safety and the safety procedures for material and equipment use
• The function of components required for the construction of standard piping and water supply systems
• The use and meaning of specialty drawings associated with construction detail
• The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures
• To identify piping materials and fixture types used in plumbing work
• To perform the essential math functions, calculations, and interpretation of the plumbing codes required to complete standard plumbing services

This course is completely online and the tuition is $2345.

To learn more about the syllabus of the course, how to apply and so much more go to their website Foundations of Plumbing.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas (PPATA)

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas (PPATA) operates 3 different training centers and campuses located all over Arkansas.

PPATA usually has anywhere between 140 and 150 apprentices at any given moment in the program.

The time between your application being sent and the beginning of your apprenticeship usually depends on the need for apprentices in the center nearest to your local town.

The program lasts for 5 years and it is a blend of on-the-job training and classroom education.

The program also gives scholarships, so the students are not obligated to pay for any of the formal classes.

To learn more about this program and how to apply go to Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas (PPATA).

Arkansas Construction Education Foundation

Arkansas Construction Education Foundation offers a licensed plumbing training program.

The duration of the program is 4 years and it consists of on-the-job training and classroom education.

The program consists of 8,000 hours of fieldwork and 640 hours of classroom education.

The classes will be held at ACEF one night each week, and you will work full-time for a plumbing company.

When a student completes the program, they will be granted a “release to test,” and can apply to take the journeyman plumber’s exam.

To learn more visit their website Arkansas Construction Education Foundation.

Salary

Plumbers are well paid for the hard work they do in Arkansas.

The estimated average annual pay throughout the state is $57,975, however, it varies anywhere from $43k to $73k.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Little Rock	$58,746
North Little Rock	$58,746
Jonesboro	$58,510
Conway	$58,174
Hot Springs	$58,174
Fayetteville	$57,957
Springdale	$57,957
Rogers	$57,613
Pine Bluff	$56,938
Fort Smith	$55,571

Regional Salary in Arkansas

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

For how long is my plumbing license valid in Arkansas?

The state of Arkansas requires you to renew your plumbing license annually at the end of each year usually on December 31.

How much does it cost to renew my plumbing license in Arkansas?

Your plumbing license renewal depends on the license you have.

To renew an apprentice registration the fee is $25.

To renew a journeyman license the fee is $75.

To renew a master plumber license the fee is $200.

Can I work as a plumber in Arkansas with a license from a different state?

Plumbers licensed in other states can be granted reciprocal licensing if the requirements for licensure in the other state are similar to the requirements for licensure in Arkansas.

The applicant must submit a completed application for licensure as well as proof that the other jurisdiction has similar requirements as the ones in Arkansas.

Plumber Info by State