Average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary in Arkansas
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $44,040, which is notably below the national average of $52,680. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, industry demand specific to the state, and the overall cost of doing business within Arkansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,650.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 870 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.95, Arkansas exhibits a significant concentration of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled trades within the state, indicating a healthy job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Arkansas earns-16.4%below the national average.
$21.2
$847
$3,670
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and evolving manufacturing needs likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary Distribution in Arkansas
Career progression for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,210 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,030 | $15.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,930 | $20.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,050 | $26.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,650 | $28.2 |
Detailed Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,771
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The average annual salary of $44,040 in Arkansas, when considered alongside a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (meaning it's 9.7% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong within the state. This lower cost of living can help offset the nominal salary difference compared to higher-cost national regions.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
0.676
Per 1K Jobs
1.95
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 1.9x the national concentration of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.95 for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Arkansas indicates that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where demand may outpace supply in certain areas, offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary | $44,480↑ 1% | 17 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arkansas
Hiring Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Arkansas is $44,040. This typically ranges from $31,210 for entry-level positions to $58,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 16.4% lower than the national median of $52,680.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
Yes, with a caveat.While the nominal salary is below the national average, the significantly lower cost of living in Arkansas enhances the purchasing power of the $44,040 salary, making it more competitive than it initially appears.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($44,480) and others.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.676 jobs per 1,000 workers, Arkansas shows a higher concentration of Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter roles than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence for this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.95?
An LQ of 1.95 means that Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are employed in Arkansas at a rate 1.95 times higher than the national average, signifying a strong regional specialization.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Arkansas?
Yes, like most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior fabricators and fitters with specialized skills will command higher wages than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living in Arkansas affect the perceived salary?
The cost of living index of 90.3 means Arkansas is more affordable than the national average. This makes the $44,040 salary go further, improving the real value of the earnings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 0.676 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas