Social Worker Jobs in Little Rock, AR

Little Rock, Arkansas$51,175 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Social Worker Salary in Little Rock

Entry Level
$34,043
Median
$51,175
Senior Level
$71,645

Social Worker salaries in Little Rock are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Little Rock is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionDocumentationAdvocacy

Social Worker Job Market in Little Rock

Little Rock, AR is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Social Worker professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Little Rock offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Government sectors create robust demand for Social Worker talent. The market for Social Worker positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Social Workers in Little Rock

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Social Workers in Little Rock include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Social Workers in Little Rock

Living in Little Rock as a Social Worker means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Social Worker salary, rent would consume about 42% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Social Worker in Little Rock

Little Rock Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Social Workers in Little Rock: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Social Worker professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Arkansas

Arkansas has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Social Workers

The job outlook for Social Workers in Little Rock is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Little Rock offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Documentation.

Relocating to Little Rock

Little Rock's affordable cost of living means your Social Worker salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Social Worker salary in Little Rock, AR?

The average Social Worker salary in Little Rock, AR is $51,175 per year. Entry-level Social Workers typically start around $34,043, while experienced professionals can earn $71,645 or more. The national average for Social Worker roles is $57,500.

How many Social Worker jobs are available in Little Rock?

Little Rock has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Social Worker professionals. Major employers hiring Social Workers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Government sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Little Rock a good city for Social Workers?

Little Rock is an solid choice for Social Workers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for government & public sector professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Social Workers in Little Rock?

Top skills for Social Workers in Little Rock include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Documentation, Advocacy. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Social Workers in Little Rock?

Little Rock's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Little Rock is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Social Workers in Little Rock?

Little Rock Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Government & Public Sector Jobs in Little Rock

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Social Worker jobs in Little Rock.

Get Started Free