Trades & Labor Arkansas (AR) Rank #49 of 50

Welder Salary in Arkansas

The median welder salary in Arkansas is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$39,488
vs National
$-7,522
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Welder Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $39,488 per year, welders in Arkansas earn $7,522 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $39,488 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $27,888, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $59,472 — a $31,584 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $41,369.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level welder earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $32,592
Median (50th) $39,488
75th Percentile $48,888
90th Percentile $59,472

Welder Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for welders in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Arkansas

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Welder make in Arkansas? ▼
The median welder salary in Arkansas is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $59,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,488, a welder in Arkansas earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for welders? ▼
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $26,880, while senior professionals earn $57,120.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Arkansas's median of $39,488 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($40,899) and West Virginia ($40,429).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level welder in Arkansas earns approximately $26,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,120.
What city in Arkansas pays welders the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for welders, with a median salary of $41,369. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.