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 Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median social worker salary of $59,225, which is $6,642 above the Illinois state average of $52,583. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for social workers in Chicago spans from $38,948 at the 10th percentile to $93,946 at the 90th percentile — a $54,998 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,660, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,740. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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

Naperville, IL
$59,778
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$52,583
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$47,048
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$45,387
Pop. 148,655

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.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Chicago

Browse open social worker positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Chicago

How much does a Social Worker make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median social worker salary in Chicago, Illinois is $59,225 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $38,948 (10th percentile) to $93,946 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,225, a social worker in Chicago earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for social worker pay? ▼
Chicago's median social worker salary of $59,225 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $52,583. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $59,225 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Chicago? ▼
Most social worker positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.