How to Become a Steamfitter in Arkansas (2026)
Arkansas employs about 3,370 steamfitters earning a median $48,660 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most steamfitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Arkansas.
Compare Steamfitter Schools in Arkansas
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Technology Center | 64.0 | Contact school for pricing | $41,040 | 85% | — | 248 mi |
| 2 | Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | 56.4 | $4,109 | $46,119 | 77% | Yes* | 172 mi |
| 3 | Trinity Valley Community College | 55.8 | $2,640 in-state / $5,970 out-of-state | $44,266 | 27% | Yes* | 278 mi |
| 4 | Neosho County Community College | 55.0 | $5,780 | $55,338 | 34% | Yes* | 254 mi |
| 5 | Hinds Community College | 53.6 | $4,250 in-state / $7,300 out-of-state | $40,042 | 43% | Yes* | 218 mi |
| 6 | Arkansas State University Three Rivers | 53.0 | $3,788 in-state / $4,388 out-of-state | $33,964 | 26% | Yes* | 48 mi |
| 7 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | 52.6 | $3,342 in-state / $5,238 out-of-state | $48,056 | 31% | Yes* | 139 mi |
| 8 | Collin County Community College District | 51.9 | $2,014 in-state / $6,064 out-of-state | $55,094 | 20% | Yes* | 274 mi |
| 9 | Northwest Shoals Community College | 51.7 | $5,131 in-state / $9,001 out-of-state | $45,546 | 39% | Yes* | 267 mi |
| 10 | Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester | 42.2 | Contact school for pricing | $36,651 | 45% | — | 191 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Arkansas employs approximately 3,370 steamfitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $48,660 1. Nationally, steamfitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Steamfitter in Arkansas, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Arkansas): $48,660 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Steamfitter in Arkansas
How to become a Steamfitter in Arkansas? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for steamfitters in Arkansas.
How long does it take? Most paths into the steamfitter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do steamfitters earn in Arkansas? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Arkansas is $48,660 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $33,410 and experienced professionals can earn $68,870 or more 1.
How to Become a Steamfitter in Arkansas
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Arkansas training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Arkansas that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Arkansas.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Arkansas, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Steamfitter Apprenticeship Information in Arkansas
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Arkansas’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Career Education - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Arkansas Office of Skills Development
- Address: 1 Commerce Way, Little Rock, AR 72202
- Phone: (501) 683-1152
- Email: [email protected]
Steamfitter Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Arkansas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 1,920 | $58,690 | $60,500 | $37,530 | $82,020 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | 890 | $49,190 | $51,170 | $35,100 | $68,540 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | 830 | $52,100 | $54,270 | $37,960 | $72,240 |
| Fort Smith | 250 | $48,350 | $49,590 | $36,730 | $62,520 |
| Jonesboro | 160 | $47,030 | $47,360 | $31,840 | $62,520 |
| Texarkana | 150 | $48,480 | $52,070 | $34,130 | $75,610 |
| Hot Springs | 140 | $46,820 | $45,170 | $30,430 | $63,510 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for steamfitters in Arkansas? Arkansas currently employs approximately 3,370 steamfitters 1. Nationally, steamfitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Arkansas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Arkansas. You can also contact the Arkansas Department of Career Education - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do steamfitters earn in Arkansas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Arkansas is $48,660, which is $14,310 below the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Arkansas Department of Career Education - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |