Social Worker Salary in Illinois
Based on 3K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$49,960
$24.02/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $79K
3K employed in Illinois
Social workers in Illinois earned a median salary of $49,960 per year, according to recent data. With approximately 3,460 social workers employed across the state, this figure represents a meaningful income for professionals dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. However, the Social Worker salary in Illinois runs about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence Social Worker salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the employing organization type. Social workers in specialized fields or supervisory roles typically command higher compensation within the state's $39,910 to $79,050 salary range. Additionally, geographic location within Illinois, agency funding levels, and sector—whether public, nonprofit, or private—all play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,910 |
| 25th percentile | $46,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,960 |
| 75th percentile | $69,210 |
| 90th percentile | $79,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,610 |
| 2023 | $49,550 |
| 2024 | $58,090 |
| 2025 | $49,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,960 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,610 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $49,550 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $58,090 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $49,960 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,960 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $69,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,050 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Social Worker ($49,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +936.5% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +776.7% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +474.1% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +417.9% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +390.6% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +316.3% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +293.8% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +235.1% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +212.5% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +191.5% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +181.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +178.4% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Illinois?
- The median salary for social workers in Illinois is $49,960 per year, or $24 per hour. This is approximately 12.6% below the national average for social workers.
What is the salary range for social workers in Illinois?
- Social worker salaries in Illinois range from $39,910 at the lower end to $79,050 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many social workers are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 3,460 social workers employed in Illinois, making it a notable portion of the state's healthcare and social services workforce.
Is the social worker salary in Illinois below the national average?
- Yes, Illinois social workers earn 12.6% less than the national average, with a median salary of $49,960 compared to higher averages in other states.