Arkansas
Operating Engineer programs in Arkansas
5 listed heavy equipment operator programs in Arkansas, plus BLS pay data for the state and 7 metro areas.
- $45,890Average pay (state, all experience levels)
- $35,520Entry-level / bottom 10%
- $44,520Median pay (state)
- $58,670Top 10% earn over
5,800 jobs in Arkansas · 5 listed programs. Average = BLS mean across all experience levels, not starting pay. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
Cities with listed programs
BLS wage data
Operating Engineer pay in Arkansas
Annual wages from the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $35,520 | $38,350 | $44,520 | $49,860 | $58,670 | $45,890 | 5,800 |
| United States | $42,190 | $48,680 | $59,850 | $77,170 | $101,090 | $66,290 | 478,090 |
Metro areas
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $40,560 | $45,510 | $53,870 | $62,150 | $72,790 | $55,080 | 1,140 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $38,550 | $44,010 | $50,090 | $53,630 | $60,010 | $49,960 | 900 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $38,010 | $39,360 | $46,800 | $53,730 | $61,060 | $48,560 | 280 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $37,800 | $40,420 | $46,290 | $49,820 | $58,770 | $47,100 | 1,230 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $31,260 | $37,910 | $45,590 | $48,090 | $56,220 | $45,090 | 240 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $35,480 | $37,750 | $41,820 | $43,940 | $49,170 | $42,260 | 440 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,870 | $29,870 | $37,760 | $46,720 | $54,470 | $39,490 | 250 |
Programs
Listed programs in Arkansas
Every heavy equipment operator program we matched in Arkansas. Schools with published tuition are listed first.
| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Arkansas College Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation | Harrison, AR | Certificate (1-2 years) | 5 | $3,840–$6,000 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 49.0202 |
| North Arkansas College Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation | Harrison, AR | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 11 | $3,840–$6,000 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 49.0202 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation | Batesville, AR | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $3,750–$4,830 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 49.0202 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation | Batesville, AR | Certificate (under 12 weeks) | 13 | $3,750–$4,830 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 49.0202 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation | Batesville, AR | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $3,750–$4,830 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 49.0202 |
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Related resources
Keep researching
GI Bill heavy equipment operator schoolsSchools approved for VA benefits. · VeteranTradeSchools.comVerified CDL training schoolsMany equipment jobs also involve hauling machines; compare CDL programs. · VerifiedCDLSchools.comRegistered apprenticeships in ArkansasThe full DOL sponsor list for the state. · RegisteredTradeSchools.com
Sources
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15 (news release USDL-26-0725; data tables). Cross-checked against the BLS Public Data API on 2026-11-03.
- Occupation: O*NET OnLine, 47-2073.00 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, retrieved 2026-11-03 (CC BY 4.0).
- Apprenticeship sponsors: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship: partner sponsors file, retrieved 2026-10-29 (Partner Finder).
- Schools & graduates: U.S. Department of Education, NCES IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (C2024_A) and Institutional Characteristics (HD2024), award year 2023-24, matched by 6-digit CIP code (completions file; CIP-SOC crosswalk).
- Tuition: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (Most Recent Cohorts: Institution + Field of Study), data updated 2026-10-15, matched by IPEDS unit ID (source).
Program listings are matched from public files by occupation code or organization name; they are not endorsements and we have not visited or tested any program. Confirm schedules, entry requirements and costs with the program. Compiled by the HighPayingTrades team; last refreshed 2026-11-03.