How much does a social worker make in Chicago?
$71,740a year
Median yearly pay for social workers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area. That is $34.49 an hour or $5,978 a month.
- Hourly
- $34.49
- Vs. national median
- +0%
- Rank among cities
- 108 of 224
- Jobs in the area
- 1,190
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $45,920Median: $71,740Highest 10%: $114,700
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,920 | $22.08 | |
| 25th | $51,700 | $24.86 | |
| Median | $71,740 | $34.49 | |
| 75th | $101,300 | $48.71 | |
| 90th | $114,700 | $55.14 |
Other cities in Illinois
Median yearly pay for social workers.
| St. Louis, MO | $93,100 |
| Davenport, IA | $81,000 |
| Springfield, IL | $61,030 |
| Rockford, IL | $48,530 |
| Peoria, IL | $45,200 |
Related jobs in Chicago
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Healthcare Social Worker | $71,430 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $67,610 |
| Child | $64,790 |
| Educational | $64,730 |
| Clergy | $61,820 |
| Substance Abuse | $61,600 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $61,360 |
| Health Education Specialist | $60,120 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $57,720 |
| Director | $52,560 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social worker make an hour in Chicago?
The median hourly pay in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $34.49 ($71,740 a year).
Do social workers make more in Chicago than the national average?
Yes: $71,740 against $71,900 nationally, 0% more.
How does Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
The median in Illinois is $64,030, so Chicago pays 12% more.
Where does Chicago rank for social worker pay?
108 of 224 metro areas with data.
How much does a social worker make starting out in Chicago?
The lowest-paid 10% make $45,920 or less a year; the top 10% make $114,700 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.