What plumbers should charge in Arkansas.
Fair billed labor here runs about $38–$73/hour, about 24% below the median US state. Every number below comes from what plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters actually earn in Arkansas; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should plumbers charge in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn $18.82–$29.12 per hour (median $23.39, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 24% below the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in Arkansas runs about $38–$73 per hour. For example, water heater replacement (tank) is about $115–$425 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Water heater replacement (tank)
That assumes a like-for-like 40–50 gallon tank swap with code-required fittings.
Plus materials: the tank itself is the biggest line on the bid. Ask for the model number and look up its street price.
Typical labor: 3–6 hours at $38–$73/hr billed.
Faucet or fixture replacement
That assumes one kitchen or bath fixture with reachable shutoffs.
Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $38–$73/hr billed.
Main line clog / drain clearing
That assumes cable-machine clearing through an accessible cleanout; camera inspection or excavation is a separate decision.
Typical labor: 2–4 hours at $38–$73/hr billed.
Before you hire in Arkansas
Residential and commercial contractors are state-licensed above modest thresholds.
How to verify a Arkansas license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find plumbers near you in Arkansas
Other fair price checks in Arkansas
Compare plumbers rates across all states · all fair price checks