As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Entry Level Social Worker in Chicago, IL is $68,088, equivalent to $33 per hour, $1,309 weekly, or $5,674 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Entry Level Social Worker in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Entry Level Social Worker in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $55,011 to $84,222. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($61,243) and 75th percentile ($76,533), while top earners (90th percentile) make $84,222 per year. This $15,290 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Discharge Planning, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Entry Level Social Worker often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Entry Level Social Worker job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit to offset market challenges.
