Creative & Education Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Social Worker Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median social worker salary in Little Rock, AR is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$48,155
vs State Avg
+$1,661
vs National
$-7,195
Cost of Living
87%

Social Worker Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median social worker salary of $48,155, which is $1,661 above the Arkansas state average of $46,494. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $48,155 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Little Rock spans from $31,668 at the 10th percentile to $76,386 at the 90th percentile — a $44,718 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,060, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,340. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,340 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,060
$-4,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $31,668
25th Percentile $38,454
Median (50th) $48,155
75th Percentile $61,248
90th Percentile $76,386

Social Worker Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$48,708
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$46,494
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$45,387
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$44,280
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Social Worker in Little Rock

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open social worker positions in Little Rock, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Social Worker make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median social worker salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,668 (10th percentile) to $76,386 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,155, a social worker in Little Rock earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for social worker pay? ▼
Little Rock's median social worker salary of $48,155 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $46,494. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $48,155 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Little Rock? ▼
Most social worker positions in Little Rock require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.