Plumber in Springdale, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Springdale Stands

As a local career analyst who’s spent years tracking the trades in Northwest Arkansas, I can tell you straight up: Springdale’s plumbing market is robust, stable, and pays a solid wage for the region. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a clear picture for anyone considering a move here.

The median salary for a plumber in Springdale, AR is $61,639/year, which breaks down to $29.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but that’s a common story in many mid-sized American cities. The real story here is the purchasing power. Springdale’s cost of living is 18% lower than the national average (Cost of Living Index: 91.0, where US avg = 100). That $61,639 in Springdale can feel as powerful as a $75,000 salary in a coastal metro.

The job market isn’t flooded, but it’s hungry. There are approximately 178 plumbing jobs in the Springdale metro area. That might not sound like a massive number, but for a specialized trade, it’s a healthy, manageable ecosystem. You’re less likely to get lost in the crowd and more likely to build a reputation. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady and signals consistent demand, driven by new housing developments, aging infrastructure, and the constant commercial growth in the region.

Let’s break down what that salary looks like at different career stages. While these are estimates based on local market trends and the median data, they give you a realistic ladder to climb.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities in Springdale
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00	Assisting senior plumbers, basic pipe installation, drain cleaning, material handling.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69	Independent service calls, water heater installations, rough-in for new construction.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$68,000 - $80,000+	$32.69 - $38.46	Complex repairs, commercial projects, customer service lead, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Owner (15+ yrs)	$85,000 - $120,000+	$40.87 - $57.69+	Business owner, large-scale commercial/industrial projects, master plumbing license holder.

How Springdale Compares to Other Arkansas Cities:

• Little Rock (State Capital): Salaries are marginally higher (median ~$63k), but the cost of living is about 5% higher, and the job market is more competitive.
• Fayetteville (Home of the University of Arkansas): Very similar to Springdale—median salary around $61,000, cost of living nearly identical. The major difference is a slightly higher concentration of service calls due to the transient student population.
• Fort Smith: Salaries trend a bit lower (median ~$58k) with a slightly lower cost of living, but the job growth is slower.

Springdale hits a sweet spot: it’s part of the high-growth Northwest Arkansas (NWA) metro (which includes Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers), offering the job stability of a larger area without the intense competition of a major city core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What does a $61,639 salary actually feel like in Springdale? Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single plumber living alone.

First, the take-home. After federal, state (AR has a progressive income tax), FICA, and local taxes, you can expect roughly 70-75% of your gross pay. We’ll use a conservative 72% estimate for this.

• Monthly Gross Pay: $61,639 / 12 = $5,136.58
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (Net): ~$3,698 (after ~28% total taxes)

Now, the biggest fixed cost: rent. The average 1BR Rent in Springdale is $924/month. This is for a decent apartment in a safe area.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: ~$3,698):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes for a Springdale Plumber
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$924	This is the city average. You can find nicer for $1,100 or older/budget for $750.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	Winters are mild; summer AC bills are the main cost. NW Ark. has good broadband.
Groceries & Household	$400	Springdale has competitive grocery prices (Walmart, Aldi, Harps).
Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Maintenance)	$350	The region is car-dependent. Commute is a factor.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$250	Varies widely; many union or larger companies offer good plans.
Retirement & Savings (10%)	$369	Crucial for tradespeople. Start an IRA or 401(k).
Discretionary (Food out, Entertainment, Misc.)	$500	Plenty of affordable local options.
Total Monthly Expenses	~$3,043
Remaining Surplus	~$655	This is your buffer for emergencies, tool purchases, or savings goals.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, and this is where Springdale becomes very attractive for tradespeople. The median home price in Springdale is around $250,000 - $275,000. With a $655 monthly surplus, a plumber with good credit could comfortably save a $15,000 down payment (5-6%) in about 2 years. A $275,000 mortgage at today’s rates (around 7%) with a 5% down payment would be roughly $1,900/month including taxes and insurance. That’s higher than rent, but it’s building equity. With a partner’s income or by moving up to a senior role (earning $70k+), it’s very attainable. Many of my clients who are plumbers own their homes, often choosing newer subdivisions on the west side of town.

Where the Jobs Are: Springdale's Major Employers

The plumbing scene here isn’t dominated by one giant; it’s a mix of large regional players, local specialists, and in-house facilities teams. Here’s who’s hiring and what they look for.

1. Abe’s Plumbing & Heating: A local staple for decades, based right in Springdale. They handle a mix of residential service, repair, and new construction. They’re known for steady work and invest in training for their techs. A great place to learn the local code and build a relationship with the community. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring apprentices and journeymen, especially in spring for construction season.

2. Benton County Water Authority: While not a traditional plumbing contractor, the public utilities sector is a major employer for licensed plumbers in a supervisory or maintenance role for public infrastructure. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; they post openings on the Benton County website. It’s competitive, but a journeyman license is key.

3. Rogers Plumbing Co. (based in nearby Rogers): Serves the entire NWA metro, including a heavy workload in Springdale. They are a large, full-service company with a commercial division. They often hire for both field and project manager roles. Hiring Trend: Aggressive growth; they’re bidding on many new commercial projects (retail, medical facilities) in the Springdale area.

4. Peachtree Plumbing (based in Springdale): A fast-growing local contractor specializing in new residential construction. They work with many of the big homebuilders in the area. If you enjoy the rhythm of construction sites and new installs, this is a prime spot. Hiring Trend: Very strong, tied directly to the booming housing market in Springdale and nearby Johnson. They need licensed plumbers for rough-in and finish work.

5. Washington Regional Medical Center: A large hospital in neighboring Fayetteville that employs in-house facility managers and maintenance plumbers. These are union positions with top-tier benefits, health insurance, and a 40-hour week. Hiring Trend: Turns over slowly; it’s a coveted job. You’ll need to monitor the Washington Regional careers page and have a clean record.

6. Seasonal & Storm Response Teams: After major storms (common in spring), local companies and even out-of-town contractors often hire temp plumbers for flood damage and repair work. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door or earn extra cash. Hiring Trend: Unpredictable but reliable after severe weather events.

Insider Tip: The union (UA Local 404, based in Fayetteville) represents plumbers and pipefitters in Northwest Arkansas. Union jobs in the region often start at a higher rate (around $35-42/hour for journeymen) with full benefits. It’s worth getting in touch with their hall, even if you’re non-union, to understand the market.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas has clear licensing requirements, and it’s a non-negotiable step to earning the higher salaries. The Arkansas State Board of Plumbing Examiners oversees this.

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber, plus 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. Many apprentices start at a local company (like Abe’s or Peachtree) while attending courses at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Arkansas State Journeyman Plumber Exam. This test covers code, theory, and practical knowledge. Exam fee: $100 (subject to change).
3. Master License: To own a business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires 2 more years as a journeyman (10,000 hours) and passing the Arkansas Master Plumber Exam. Fee: $150.

Timeline & Costs:

• Total Time (Apprentice to Journeyman): 4 years is the standard, but it can be accelerated with overtime hours.
• Total Estimated Cost (Apprenticeship): $2,500 - $4,000. This includes school tuition (NWACC’s program is around $1,200/year), books, tools, and exam fees. Many employers will reimburse these costs if you stay on with them.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship paperwork early. The waiting list for NWACC’s program can be a few months. Also, get your OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety card immediately—it’s often a prerequisite for hiring.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide to Springdale neighborhoods, based on trade worker lifestyles.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It Works for Plumbers
Downtown Springdale	Historic, walkable, near restaurants and the Arvest Ballpark. Commute to job sites is minimal.	$850 - $1,100	You’re in the heart of the action. Great for social life, and you can walk to work. Older apartments can have character but check plumbing!
South Springdale (near Johnson)	Quieter, suburban, and very close to the new residential construction booms.	$800 - $950	Prime location for Peachtree Plumbing and other builders. Easy, short commutes to job sites. More family-friendly.
The Highlands (West of I-49)	Modern, master-planned community with newer apartments and amenities.	$1,000 - $1,200	A bit pricier but offers newer builds, excellent maintenance, and quick access to Bentonville for commercial work.
Melrose	Established, affordable, and close to the Springdale High and KU medical area.	$750 - $900	Great value. Older homes here also mean steady repair and renovation work for local plumbers.
Rogers (adjacent city)	Slightly more upscale, with a vibrant downtown. 10-15 minute drive to Springdale job sites.	$950 - $1,200	If you work for a company like Rogers Plumbing Co., living in Rogers makes sense. Higher rent but more upscale lifestyle.

Commute Insight: Traffic on Route 62 (Sunset Ave) and I-49 can build up during peak hours, but it’s nothing like major metro traffic. A 15-minute commute is the norm. Most plumbers I know prefer to live within 15-20 minutes of their primary service area or company HQ.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing isn’t a dead-end job in Springdale; it’s a career with clear advancement paths. The 6% growth over 10 years indicates opportunities will expand.

Specialty Premiums (How to Make More Money):

• Commercial/Industrial Plumbing: Specializing in large pipes, medical gas, or industrial systems can add $10-15/hour to your wage. Companies like Benton County Water or Rogers Plumbing’s commercial division need these skills.
• Gas Line Certification: In high demand for new construction and home renovations. Often adds a 5-10% premium to your rate.
• Backflow Prevention Tester: A certification that allows you to test and certify backflow prevention devices (required for many businesses). This is a low-effort, high-yield side gig ($75-150 per test), common for plumbers in NWA.
• Estimator/Project Manager: Transition from field to office, managing bids and projects. This can push you into the $75,000+ range without the physical toll.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice → Journeyman (0-4 yrs): Focus on speed, accuracy, and customer service.
2. Journeyman → Senior/Foreman (4-8 yrs): Lead a small crew, handle complex calls, mentor apprentices.
3. Senior → Specialist or Master (8-15 yrs): Get your master license, start a side business, or become a commercial expert.
4. Master → Business Owner (15+ yrs): Many successful local plumbers (like the owner of Abe’s) followed this path. The NWA market is large enough to support independent shops.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid. As Springdale and Johnson continue to expand (new subdivisions, a growing medical hub), demand for both new construction and service will remain high. The key will be adapting to new technologies like touchless fixtures, tankless water heaters, and PEX plumbing systems, which are becoming standard in new builds.

The Verdict: Is Springdale Right for You?

After analyzing the data and living the local reality, here’s the bottom line.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: A median salary goes far here due to low cost of living.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable truck/van and will drive a lot.
Stable, Growing Market: Tied to the explosive growth of the entire NWA metro.	Weather: Summer humidity and occasional ice storms can be tough on outdoor work.
Manageable Competition: You can stand out and build a reputation faster than in a huge city.	Limited Public Transit: Makes owning a vehicle non-negotiable.
Path to Homeownership: Very feasible on a plumber’s salary, especially with a partner.	Slightly Below National Avg Salary: You trade a few thousand dollars for a much lower cost of living.
Quality of Life: Great schools, low crime, plenty of parks and outdoor activities.	Professional Development: Fewer large-scale, complex industrial projects compared to a major port city.

Final Recommendation:
Springdale is an excellent choice for plumbers at all career stages, but it’s particularly ideal for those with 2-8 years of experience. If you’re a journeyman looking to buy a home, escape a high-cost area, or find steady work without cutthroat competition, Springdale is a top-tier option. The path from apprentice to business owner is clear and achievable. For a new apprentice, the low cost of living makes the apprenticeship years financially manageable. For a seasoned pro, the commercial and residential growth provides ample room to specialize and earn a premium.

FAQs

1. Do I need a license to do plumbing work in Arkansas?
Yes. To work for a company as a plumber, you must be an apprentice under a licensed master, a licensed journeyman, or a licensed master. Performing plumbing work for hire