Creative & Education Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Illinois

The median social worker salary in Illinois is $52,583 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$52,583
vs National
$-2,767
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Social Worker Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level social worker earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $34,580
25th Percentile $41,990
Median (50th) $52,583
75th Percentile $66,880
90th Percentile $83,410

Major Cities for Social Workers in Illinois

The largest employment areas for social workers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Chicago, IL
Metro area for social worker employment
Aurora, IL
Metro area for social worker employment
Naperville, IL
Metro area for social worker employment
Rockford, IL
Metro area for social worker employment
Springfield, IL
Metro area for social worker employment

How to Become a Social Worker in Illinois

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.