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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Social Worker in Illinois is $66,215 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Medical Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Medical Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $73,419 | $6,118 | $1,412 | $35 |
| Average | $66,215 | $5,518 | $1,273 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,267 | $4,939 | $1,140 | $28 |
Oak Street Health - Blue Island, IL
Warren Barr South Loop - Chicago, IL
Kenwood Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - Chicago, IL
SchoolHouse Staffing - Lemont, IL
A Medical Social Worker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Social Worker's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Medical Social Worker | $63,370 |
| Intermediate Level Medical Social Worker | $63,581 |
| Senior Level Medical Social Worker | $66,215 |
| Specialist Level Medical Social Worker | $69,181 |
| Expert Level Medical Social Worker | $69,393 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Medical Social Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Medical Social Worker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Medical Social Worker positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Medical Social Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $79,458 | $38.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Medical Social Worker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $73,419 | $6,118 | $1,412 | $35 |
| Average | $66,215 | $5,518 | $1,273 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,267 | $4,939 | $1,140 | $28 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Medical Social Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
LEEP Forward
Chicago, IL
LEEP Forward | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team as a Social Worker at LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy. Are you a dedicated Social Worker passionate about... more
5 Days Ago
Norwood Crossing
Chicago, IL
Norwood Crossing | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Social Worker (LCSW / LSW). Location. Chicago, IL (Norwood Park neighborhood). Facility. Norwood Crossing. Job Type. Full... more
5 Days Ago
Council for Jewish Elderly
Deerfield, IL
Council for Jewish Elderly | Deerfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Make a Meaningful Impact in the Lives of Older Adults. Since 1972, CJE SeniorLife has been a trusted leader in senior ser... more
5 Days Ago
BrightSpring Health Services
Springfield, IL
BrightSpring Health Services | Springfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. ARE YOU AN RBT WITH 1500 ABA SUPERVISION HOURS UNDER YOUR BELT. THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU. At SpringHealt... more
6 Days Ago
Headway
Naperville, IL
Headway | Naperville, IL
Headway, a leader in mental health innovation, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our growing team. At... more
8 Days Ago
Headway
Schiller Park, IL
Headway | Schiller Park, IL
Headway, a leader in mental health innovation, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to join our growing team. At... more
8 Days Ago
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