3 registered apprenticeship programs in Arkansas. Starting wages from $15.08/hr, advancing to $21.54/hr at journeyman level.
$15.08/hr
Starting wage
$21.54/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
3
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the AR state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Arkansas PHCC | Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Arkansas | 4 years / 8,000 OJT hours | 50% → 62% → 75% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Installer Apprenticeship — Southwest Power Pool Region | Johnson Controls / York — Arkansas District | 4 years | $15/hr → $17/hr → $20/hr → $23/hr |
| Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship — Simmons Foods | Simmons Foods — Industrial Refrigeration | 4 years / 8,000 OJT hours | $16/hr → $19/hr → $22/hr → $25/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Arkansas journeyman median of $21.54/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $10.77/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $12.92/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $15.08/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $17.23/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $21.54/hr |
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services — Apprenticeship Program
https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/career-services/apprenticeship/Register your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Arkansas right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Arkansas take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Arkansas typically start around $15.08/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $21.54/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.