Arkansas Home Repair Guide
In Arkansas, the median wage is $23.39 an hour for plumbers and $23.59 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Arkansas
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | A residential builder, remodeler or home improvement license is required for work on a single-family home when the project is more than $2,000, including labor and materials. A commercial license is needed for work of $50,000 or more on any project that is not a single-family residence. | Source |
| Plumber | The Arkansas Department of Health licenses plumbers, including apprentice, journeyman and master plumbers, as well as gas fitters. | Source |
| Electrician | The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners licenses electricians, including master, residential master, journeyman and residential journeyman classes. | Source |
| Roofer | A Residential Roofer Registration is needed for roofing, roof deck and roofing sheet metal projects over $2,000. Contractors holding a Residential Builder or Residential Remodeler license do not need the registration. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: Find A Licensed Contractor, Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Can homeowners do their own work?
A person building their own residence is exempt unless they build more than one residence in a calendar year, and the owner of a single-family home may act as their own home improvement contractor on their own property. Source
What common jobs cost in Arkansas
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $720 | $1,900 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,300 | $19,200 |
| AC Replacement | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,850 | $7,950 |
| Toilet Replacement | $210 | $820 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $870 | $2,750 |
| Drain Cleaning | $80 | $310 |
| Garage Door Repair | $70 | $580 |
Hourly rates in Arkansas
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $23.39 | $58 | $105 |
| Electrician | $23.59 | $59 | $106 |
| HVAC Technician | $23.13 | $58 | $104 |
| Handyman | $20.87 | $52 | $94 |
| Roofer | $22.82 | $57 | $103 |
| Carpenter | $22.96 | $57 | $103 |
| Painter | $19.28 | $48 | $87 |
Licensing last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.