Social Worker Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$58,590
$28.17/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $99K
1K employed in Arkansas
Social workers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $58,590 per year, which is 2% above the national average. With approximately 1,040 social workers employed across the state, this figure provides a realistic snapshot of compensation in this essential field. Arkansas salaries range from $39,440 to $99,070 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the profession.
Social worker salary in Arkansas varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization area. Employment settings such as government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare facilities, and private practice significantly influence earning potential. Geographic location within Arkansas, specific client populations served, and additional certifications also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels within the profession.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,440 |
| 25th percentile | $42,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,590 |
| 75th percentile | $73,290 |
| 90th percentile | $99,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $42,010 |
| 2023 | $45,910 |
| 2024 | $49,820 |
| 2025 | $58,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,105 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $42,010 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $45,910 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $49,820 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $58,590 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,105 | $60,591 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,290 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,070 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Social Worker ($58,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +335.1% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +297.9% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +282.8% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +268.4% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +205.4% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +173.8% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +132.2% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +114.5% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +112.9% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +112.4% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +102.1% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +83.8% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Arkansas?
- Social workers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $58,590 per year, or $28 per hour. This is 2.5% higher than the national average, making Arkansas a competitive state for social work positions.
What is the salary range for social workers in Arkansas?
- Social worker salaries in Arkansas range from $39,440 on the lower end to $99,070 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is the social worker salary in Arkansas above or below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas social worker salaries are above the national average at 2.5% higher. With a median of $58,590 per year, Arkansas offers competitive compensation compared to other states.
How many social worker jobs are available in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,040 social workers currently employed in Arkansas. This represents the total employment in the state for this profession.