Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,210 median (33% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Social Worker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $46,210, Social Workers in Arkansas earn 33% below the national median of $69,480. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$46,210Hourly estimate
$22.2233% below national median
Difference: -$23,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $109,220 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $108,780 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $106,910 |
| #4 | New Hampshire | $104,770 |
| #5 | Oklahoma | $100,150 |
Nearby States Comparison
Social Worker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $46,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $89,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $64,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $89,520 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $100,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board
P. O. Box 251965, Little Rock, AR 72225, 5800 West 10th St, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5013725071
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Social Workers in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Social Workers.
What education do you need to become a Social Worker in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Arkansas is $46,210. Salaries range from $38,800 (10th percentile) to $112,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Arkansas earn 33% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $46,210.
How many Social Workers work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 680 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Social Workers in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Review agency details at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-social-work-licensing-board.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.