CertOutlook

Welder in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$47,100
trending_down -7.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering
7,240

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$180

Est. total cost

schedule
Varies (performance test is typically a few hours, training programs 6 months to 2 years)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Arkansas

To become a welder in Arkansas, a general state license is not required. However, most employers will require industry-recognized certifications, primarily through the American Welding Society (AWS). For welders working on boilers and pressure vessels, qualification to ASME Section IX is mandatory and overseen by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Boiler Inspection Division. While formal education isn't strictly mandated, completing a welding training program at a technical school or community college is highly recommended to gain the necessary skills and prepare for certification exams.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,340
25th percentile $41,530
50th (median) $47,100
75th percentile $52,400
90th (experienced) $63,570

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing bodyArkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Boiler Inspection Division
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; formal welding training recommended.
ExamASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test (for boilers/pressure vessels); AWS certifications are industry standard for other welding. ($35)
NotesArkansas does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily employer-driven and often involves AWS (American Welding Society) certifications. Welders performing work on boilers and pressure vessels in Arkansas must be qualified to ASME Section IX. Companies performing welded repairs on boilers/pressure vessels for others must hold a National Board 'R' stamp or have their Quality Control Manual, Weld Procedures Specifications, Welder Qualification Records, and supporting Procedure Qualification Records on file with the Boiler Inspection Division. There is no minimum age specified for welder certification, but a high school diploma or GED is typically required for training programs.

Source: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Boiler Inspection Division

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.2%
Average
Annual openings
45,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
457,300
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.20/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period
0 months
~$180 investment ÷ $47,100 median salary
  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a welder in Arkansas? expand_more
Arkansas requires welders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; formal welding training recommended.), and pass the ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test (for boilers/pressure vessels); AWS certifications are industry standard for other welding..
Can I work as a welder in Arkansas without a license? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a welder in Arkansas. Note: Arkansas does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily employer-driven and often involves AWS (American Welding Society) certifications. Welders performing work on boilers and pressure vessels in Arkansas must be qualified to ASME Section IX. Companies performing welded repairs on boilers/pressure vessels for others must hold a National Board 'R' stamp or have their Quality Control Manual, Weld Procedures Specifications, Welder Qualification Records, and supporting Procedure Qualification Records on file with the Boiler Inspection Division. There is no minimum age specified for welder certification, but a high school diploma or GED is typically required for training programs.
How much do welders make in Arkansas? expand_more
The median welder salary in Arkansas is $47,100 per year. That's 8% below the national median of $51,000. Wages range from $36,340 (10th percentile) up to $63,570 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get welder certified in Arkansas? expand_more
Plan on spending $180 total — that covers exam fee ($35) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does welder certification take in Arkansas? expand_more
The typical timeline in Arkansas is Varies (performance test is typically a few hours, training programs 6 months to 2 years). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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