The present invention relates to a method for preparing polyarylene sulfide with a reduced free iodine content. More specifically, the method for preparing polyarylene sulfide includes: (a) polymerizing reactants including a diiodo aromatic compound and a sulfur compound to form a polyarylene sulfide; and (b) maintaining the polyarylene sulfide product at 100 to 260° C. for heat-setting. The preparation method of the present invention effectively reduces the free iodine content of the polyarylene sulfide to prevent potential corrosion of facilities for the subsequent process and improves the properties of the polyarylene sulfide product such as thermal stability, so the method can be usefully applied to industrial fields in regard to the preparation of polyarylene sulfide.