HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Social Worker Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$52,511/yr
Typical range: $53,067 – $62,534
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Social Worker salary by experience level in Chicago
Social Worker Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $52,511 | $4,376 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $64,513 | $5,376 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $71,514 | $5,960 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $79,216 | $6,601 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $96,019 | $8,002 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $110,422 | $9,202 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $114,023 | $9,502 | +117% |
Current Salary
$52,511
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $25/hr
Next Level Target
$64,513
Junior · 2
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+9% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Social Worker salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Social Workers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $53K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Social Worker make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $53K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $25/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Social Worker in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Social Worker in Chicago, IL earns $90K–$106K/yr.