Embarking on a career in social work means doing a lot of research and reflection. But after deciding what type of social work you’ll find the most rewarding or what kind of agency you’d like to work for, you’ll also want answers to more practical questions. How much do social workers make in Illinois is likely at the top of that list.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that social workers in Illinois make an average salary between $54,870 and $65,630. But while helpful, this range doesn’t tell the whole story. To help you plan your career, we’ll examine how different factors might influence your own earning potential.
How Much Do Different Types of Social Workers in Illinois Make?
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Illinois’ social work workforce is its diversity. For every vulnerable population, there’s a type of social worker dedicated to meeting their needs. Each type has their own salary potential.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
According to the BLS, child welfare, family, and school social workers in Illinois make an average salary of $60,740. This makes them the second highest-paid social worker in the state. There are almost 16,000 of these professionals in the state making them the most prevalent type of social worker in Illinois.
Healthcare Social Workers
With an average annual income of $59,030, the typical medical social worker salary in Illinois is right in the middle of the average range for all types. While there aren’t as many healthcare social workers in Illinois as child, family, and school social workers (about 4,500), the BLS expects employment in this specialty to grow by a staggering 10% on a national level.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers make an average of $54,870 in Illinois. As of their May 2022 report, the BLS says there are about 1,600 substance abuse and mental health social workers in the state.
O*NET (a career preparation website sponsored by the US Department of Labor) projects that employment in this profession will grow by 15% in Illinois through 2030. That’s equivalent to 410 new jobs every year.
All Other Social Workers
Social workers in fields like criminal justice, racial advocacy, and other specialties not represented in other BLS categories typically make around $65,630 in Illinois. On average, this makes them the highest-earning group in the state. But with only about 1,400 professionals in the all other category, they’re also one of the smallest groups.
Social Work Administrators and Managers
Social work administrators in Illinois make an average salary of $76,340 — much higher than averages for every type of frontline specialist. As of May 2022, there are over 5,500 social and community service managers in the state indicating that this might be a great path for experienced social workers to take.
How Much Can a Social Worker Increase Their Salary in Illinois?
To answer how much do social workers make in Illinois, averages are a great starting point. However, averages represent people at all stages of their careers. Social workers with advanced degrees like a Master of Social Work (MSW), years of experience, and clinical social work licenses often make more.
As reported by the BLS, here’s what the highest-earning social workers in Illinois make in each specialty:
- Child, family, and school social workers: $74,460 to $92,550.
- Healthcare social workers: $73,170 to $79,120.
- Substance abuse and mental health social workers: $64,620 to $83,470.
- All other social workers: $85,680 to $97,050.
- Social and community service managers: $91,880 to $115,400
Keep in mind that your own salary potential depends heavily upon your employer, location, and previous experience. Our page on MSW careers and salaries in Illinois provides more detailed information about mid- and late-career salary potential.
How Do Social Work Salaries in Illinois Compare To Other Jobs?
Overall, the entire Illinois workforce makes an average of $63,930. While some types of social workers make less on average, many make close to or a little over this amount. And given the room many social workers have to increase their earnings, a career in advocacy may not be as big of a budget constraint as many people think.
What Cities in Illinois Pay Social Workers the Most?
Aside from experience, training, and the type of social work you do, geography can be one of the biggest influences on your salary.
The top-paying cities for each type of social worker in Illinois are:
- Springfield, IL, for child, family, and school social workers ($62,870).
- The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Metro for healthcare social workers ($62,640).
- Springfield, IL, for mental health and substance abuse social workers ($62,040).
- Carbondale-Marion, IL, for all other social workers ($75,580).
- Bloomington, IL, for social and community service managers ($79,990).
For more information about salaries and careers in specific cities, visit our pages about Chicago, Aurora, Springfield, Peoria, and Naperville.
Find More Answers and Plan Your Social Work Career Today
We’re committed to helping you make an informed decision about your calling. How much do social workers make in Illinois is likely only one of many questions you have. To find more answers, learn how to become a social worker in Illinois and become an impassioned advocate for your community’s most vulnerable people.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET job market trends and salary figures for Illinois, child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, social workers (all other), and social and community service managers are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2024.