Welder Salary in Arkansas: $49,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median welder pay sits at $49,755/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 51-4121. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $57,255 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Jonesboro ($51,900), Rogers ($48,521), Springdale ($48,487).
In Arkansas, the average median salary for welders in 2026 is projected to be $49,755, which is approximately 11.0% lower than the national median of $55,895. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Jonesboro offering the highest average at $53,971, while Texarkana has the lowest at $43,229, illustrating a pay gap of $10,742. This difference is driven by factors such as local demand for skilled labor, economic conditions, and the presence of manufacturing facilities. Arkansas does not have extensive state licensing requirements for welders, but a certification may enhance job prospects. The state is witnessing a 3.99% annual growth rate in the welding sector, indicating steady demand. The total number of employed welders stands at 2,741, with notable wages in other cities, including Rogers at $50,457, Springdale at $50,422, Fayetteville at $49,645, and Little Rock at $49,333. Overall, the job market for welders in Arkansas shows positive growth prospects, influenced by infrastructure projects and the automotive industry. With training and certification, welders can increase their earning potential and access opportunities in a growing field.
Arkansas Welder Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $33,643 (lowest entry-level) to $72,575 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas welders earn 10.98% less than the national median ($-6,140/year difference).
Arkansas Welder Salary Distribution (2026)
Welder salaries in Arkansas range from $39,202 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $62,822 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $49,755. The Arkansas median is $6,140 below the US national median of $55,895. The average hourly rate is $23.92/hr. Approximately 2,741 welders are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,489
2025 BLS Actual
$47,846
2026 Current Est.
$49,755
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,489 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,231 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,862 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 31.1% from $36,489 (2019) to $47,846 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,252 (41.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Best Value Cities for Welders in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for welders.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro | $53,971 | 85.876 | $62,848 |
| Rogers | $50,457 | 86.9 | $58,063 |
| Springdale | $50,422 | 86.9 | $58,023 |
| Fort Smith | $48,491 | 85.888 | $56,458 |
| Jacksonville | $48,976 | 86.9 | $56,359 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,202 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $49,755 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $62,822 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesboro | $53,971 |
| 2 | Rogers | $50,457 |
| 3 | Springdale | $50,422 |
| 4 | Fayetteville | $49,645 |
| 5 | Little Rock | $49,333 |
| 6 | Jacksonville | $48,976 |
| 7 | Bentonville | $48,736 |
| 8 | North Little Rock | $48,605 |
| 9 | Fort Smith | $48,491 |
| 10 | Benton | $48,329 |
| 11 | Conway | $48,285 |
| 12 | Hot Springs | $48,251 |
| 13 | Paragould | $48,192 |
| 14 | Pine Bluff | $48,154 |
| 15 | Sherwood | $47,931 |
| 16 | Russellville | $47,678 |
| 17 | Cabot | $47,464 |
| 18 | Searcy | $46,968 |
| 19 | Bryant | $46,616 |
| 20 | Van Buren | $45,792 |
| 21 | Texarkana | $43,229 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Explore More Welder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for welders in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas welder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level welder salary in Arkansas?
How many welders are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for welders?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 welder compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more welderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov