Creative & Education Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Social Worker Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median social worker salary in Chicago, IL is $59,225 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$59,225
vs State Avg
+$6,642
vs National
+$3,875
Cost of Living
107%
Social Worker Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level social worker earns around $40,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,660
+$2,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,920
+$3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,948 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,294 |
| Median (50th) | $59,225 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,328 |
| 90th Percentile | $93,946 |
Social Worker Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Social Worker in Chicago
Education
Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation
Job Outlook
Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.