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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Worker in Illinois is $64,317 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $71,753 | $5,979 | $1,380 | $34 |
| Average | $64,317 | $5,360 | $1,237 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,310 | $4,776 | $1,102 | $28 |
Norwood Crossing - Chicago, IL
Council for Jewish Elderly - Deerfield, IL
BrightSpring Health Services - Springfield, IL
Warren Barr South Loop - Chicago, IL
A 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 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 Social Worker | $61,884 |
| Intermediate Level Social Worker | $62,370 |
| Senior Level Social Worker | $65,402 |
| Specialist Level Social Worker | $68,757 |
| Expert Level Social Worker | $69,357 |
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 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 Social Worker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare., offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Social Worker positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare. | $67,533 | $32.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a 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 | $71,753 | $5,979 | $1,380 | $34 |
| Average | $64,317 | $5,360 | $1,237 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,310 | $4,776 | $1,102 | $28 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Social Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Kenwood Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Chicago, IL
Kenwood Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Purpose/Position Summary. The primary purpose of this position is to provide group psychosocial rehabilitation services t... more
10 Days Ago
SchoolHouse Staffing
Lemont, IL
SchoolHouse Staffing | Lemont, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Salary: $45- $55 Per hour (DOE). High School Social Worker. Location: Chicago, Illinois. Pay: $45$55 per hour (depending ... more
10 Days Ago
LEEP Forward
Chicago, IL
LEEP Forward | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Salary: $50,000-$65,000. Join Our Team as a Social Worker at LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy. Are you a dedicated Socia... more
11 Days Ago
Carle Health
Normal, IL
Carle Health | Normal, IL
Carle Health, a leader in community-based healthcare, seeks a dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW/LCSW) to join our compassionate Social Services team. T... more
12 Days Ago
Carle Health
El Vista, IL
Carle Health | El Vista, IL
Carle Health, renowned for integrating advanced medical treatment with community-based care, is seeking a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to enhance... more
12 Days Ago
Carle Health
Normal, IL
Carle Health | Normal, IL
Carle Health is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our innovative healthcare team. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to deliver communi... more
12 Days Ago
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