Booming Arkansas Industry: Energy & Utilities
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 25, 2021
Job demand, job security, competitive pay and endless growth await in the thriving energy and utilities sector of Arkansas’ economy.
► Over the next 10 years, job openings in wind and solar power, like wind turbine service technicians, are expected to double.
(bls.gov)
Meet The Pros
More Jobs in Energy
Education Level: High school diploma or GED
Cable and Fiber Splicers
Connects and moves buried copper and fiber optic cable
Median Salary in Arkansas: $60,777
Chemical Plant & System Operators
What they do: Operate entire chemical processes or system of machines
Median Salary in Arkansas: $46,980
Control & Valve Installers and Repairers
Maintain electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves
Median Salary in Arkansas: $69,240
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators and Gaugers
Work in petroleum refining; test oil in storage tanks and regulate oil flow of pipelines
Median Salary in Arkansas: $69,570
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Coordinate, regulate or distribute electricity or steam
Median Salary in Arkansas: $96,280
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Install and maintain solar power systems
Median Salary in Arkansas: $46,470
Education Level: One or more years of on-the-job training
Gas Plant Operators
Process gas for utility companies and maintain pressures on pipelines
Median Salary in Arkansas: $65,050
Electrical Powerline Installers and Repairers
Install or repair electrical power lines or distribution systems; erect poles and transmission towers
Median Salary in Arkansas: $63,830
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Operate or control nuclear reactors
Median Salary in Arkansas: $104,040
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Operate turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards and battery banks
Median Salary in Arkansas: $72,230
Power Plant Operators
Control boards to distribute power among generators and regulate the output of several generators
Median Salary in Arkansas: $72,230
Education Level: Certification
Powerhouse, Substation and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairers
Inspect, test and maintain electrical equipment in generating stations and substations
Median Salary in Arkansas: $87,050
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Inspect, diagnose, adjust or repair wind turbines
Median Salary in Arkansas: $56,230
► Look for job demand to grow 80% in renewable energy by 2050.
(bls.gov)
Top 5 Arkansas Electric/Utility Companies by Number of Employees
| 1. | Entergy (Arkansas employees) | 1,251 |
| 2. | Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. | 360 |
| 3. | Southwestern Electric Power Co. | 347 |
| 4. | Carroll Electric Cooperative Corp. | 276 |
| 5. | First Electric Cooperative Corp. | 214 |
