Hot, humid summers and moderate winters with regular shoulder-season swings keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across Arkansas. Average pay sits at $51,150/year with 4,960 HVAC techs employed across Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Little Rock.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$37,040
entry-level
25th Pct
$42,830
early career
Median
$48,110
typical wage
75th Pct
$59,760
experienced
90th Pct
$69,290
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing — HVACR Section
License type: HVACR Contractor (Class A, B, C, D, E) / Journeyman / Apprentice / Registrant
Threshold or scope: None — statewide trade licensing. Projects over $50,000 require additional state contractor's license.
Continuing education: 4 hours annually (2 hrs mechanical code + 2 hrs other Board-approved), due Dec 31
Key details: Per 17 CAR § 261-120. Class L (lifetime, age 65+) exempt from CE. Min $250k GL insurance for Class A-E.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
4
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
336
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
4,960
SOC 49-9021
12.32¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#8 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
3A
Warm-Humid
cooling_dominant
Arkansas has a Warm-Humid climate where cooling demand defines the HVAC market. Summer is peak season for AC repair and condenser work, with moderate but real winter heating demand on heat pumps and furnaces across most of the state.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Arkansas earn a mean annual wage of $51,150, about 21% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $37,040, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $69,290. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Arkansas are Little Rock with about 1,470 HVAC mechanics, Fayetteville with about 1,240 HVAC mechanics, and Fort Smith with about 410 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Arkansas are UA - Pulaski Technical College, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and North Arkansas College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
