BLS OEWS Data · 2025

Social Worker Salary in Chicago, IL

Based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Annual Salary
$61,600
vs. National Average
+3%
National: $59,550

Salary Range in Chicago

Top 10%$101,000
75th Percentile$80,800
Median (50th)$61,600
25th Percentile$47,400
Bottom 10%$38,200

How Much Does a Social Worker Make in Chicago, IL?

The median Social Worker salary in Chicago, IL is $61,600 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is 3% higher than the national median of $59,550.

Salaries in Chicago range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $101,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% of Social Workers in Chicago earn between $47,400 and $80,800 per year.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Occupation: Social Worker (SOC 21-1021).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Worker make in Chicago, IL?

The median Social Worker salary in Chicago, IL is $61,600 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the salary range for a Social Worker in Chicago?

Social Worker salaries in Chicago range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $101,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,400 and $80,800 per year.

Is Chicago a good place to work as a Social Worker?

Chicago Social Worker salaries are 3% higher than the national median. Chicago is roughly in line with the national average for Social Workers.

Where does the salary data come from?

All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey — the most comprehensive salary database in the United States, covering approximately 830 occupations across 600+ metropolitan areas.