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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$49,960
Median Annual Salary
▼
-14.0% vs 2024
$58,130
Mean Salary
$49,960
Median Salary
$24.02
Hourly Rate
3,460 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois earn a median salary of $49,960 per year ($4,163/month).
This is 12.6% below the national average of $57,161.
Illinois ranks #34 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay.
Approximately 3,460 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries decreased by 14.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Top Skills
Social Perceptiveness
4.25
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Therapy and Counseling
4.83
Psychology
4.66
English Language
3.9
Customer and Personal Service
3.8
Education and Training
3.68
Typical Education: Master's Degree
(77.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois range from $39,910 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $79,050 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,290 and $69,210.
Median $49,960
P10: $39,910P25: $46,290P75: $69,210P90: $79,050
10th
$39,910
25th
$46,290
Median
$49,960
75th
$69,210
90th
$79,050
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$39,910
$19.19
$3,325
25th Percentile
$46,290
$22.25
$3,857
Median (50th)
$49,960
$24.02
$4,163
75th Percentile
$69,210
$33.27
$5,767
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$79,050
$38.00
$6,587
Note: The mean (average) salary of $58,130 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#34
Illinois ranks #34 of 51 states
$57,161
National avg. for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois is $49,960 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $58,130.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois range from $39,910 at the 10th percentile to $79,050 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,290 and $69,210.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in Illinois typically start around $39,910 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,290 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,460 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois is approximately $24.02 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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