As of July 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Forensic Social Worker in Chicago, IL is $59,117, equivalent to $28 per hour, $1,137 weekly, or $4,926 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Forensic Social Worker in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Forensic Social Worker in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $47,751 to $73,107. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($53,168) and 75th percentile ($66,440), while top earners (90th percentile) make $73,107 per year. This $13,272 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Patient Care, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Forensic Social Worker often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Forensic Social Worker job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Forensic Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $47,751 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
25th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $53,168 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
50th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $59,117 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
75th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $66,440 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
90th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $73,107 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
25% $53,168 10% $47,751 90% $73,107 75% $66,440 $59,117 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
Change Search Criteria
Check out Forensic Social Worker jobs in Chicago, Illinois

Social Worker

Carle Health - Normal, IL

Social Worker

Carle Health - El Vista, IL

SOCIAL WORKER

Headway - Loves Park, IL

SOCIAL WORKER

Headway - Naperville, IL

Search More Forensic Social Worker Jobs in Chicago, Illinois

What is a Forensic Social Worker ?

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. This specialty of the social work profession goes far beyond clinics and psychiatric hospitals for criminal defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of competency and responsibility. A broader definition includes social work practice which in any way is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spousal abuse, juvenile and adult j...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

See user submitted job responsibilities for Forensic Social Worker.

Job Openings for Forensic Social Worker in Chicago, IL

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Forensic Social Worker, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
53168
66440
59117

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
65598
80135
72487
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Forensic Social Worker in Chicago, IL. The base salary for Forensic Social Worker ranges from $53,168 to $66,440 with the average base salary of $59,117. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $65,598 to $80,135 with the average total cash compensation of $72,487.

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid?

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

53168
66440

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

Chicago, Illinois  area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

Forensic Social Worker Salary in popular cities: AuroraRockfordJoliet

Jobs with a similar salary range to Forensic Social Worker : Mobile Crisis Clinician, Hospice Msw, Adoption Worker