Social Worker salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 2 to 6 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$64,030/ yr
$5,336 / mo · $30.78 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$45,448
Median
$64,030
Experienced
$111,322
Demand
Moderate
Program length
2 to 6 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete2 to 6 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$45,448
- Median salary$64,030
- Experienced salary$111,322
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Social Worker in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Social Worker program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Social Worker tracks complete in 2 to 6 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly thousands of Social Worker openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Social Worker in Illinois is $64,030 per year, which is $30.78 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $45,448 while experienced Social Workers can earn up to $111,322 annually.
Next step
Find Social Worker Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Social Worker classes in your area.