Creative & Education Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Social Worker Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median social worker salary in Springfield, IL is $47,048 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$47,048
vs State Avg
$-5,535
vs National
$-8,302
Cost of Living
85%

Social Worker Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median social worker salary of $47,048, which is $5,535 below the Illinois state average of $52,583. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $47,048 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Springfield spans from $30,940 at the 10th percentile to $74,630 at the 90th percentile — a $43,690 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,300, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,700. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level social worker earns around $32,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,300
$-5,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $30,940
25th Percentile $37,570
Median (50th) $47,048
75th Percentile $59,840
90th Percentile $74,630

Social Worker Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$59,778
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$59,225
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$52,583
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$45,387
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Social Worker in Springfield

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Springfield

Browse open social worker positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Springfield

How much does a Social Worker make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median social worker salary in Springfield, Illinois is $47,048 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,940 (10th percentile) to $74,630 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,048, a social worker in Springfield earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for social worker pay? ▼
Springfield's median social worker salary of $47,048 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $52,583. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $47,048 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Springfield? ▼
Most social worker positions in Springfield 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.