Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $27.75 an hour ($57,720 a year). About 2,450 people work in this job there.
That is 4% lower than the U.S. median ($60,280). It is 16% higher than the Illinois median ($49,960).
Pay range for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.14 | $46,040 |
| 25% of workers | $22.80 | $47,430 |
| Half of workers (median) | $27.75 | $57,720 |
| 75% of workers | $34.75 | $72,280 |
| 90% of workers | $40.03 | $83,260 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $57,720 | 2,450 |
| Peoria | $49,000 | 50 |
| Springfield | $46,010 | 150 |
| Rockford | $45,280 | 110 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Internship/residency (BLS)
- Job outlook: +10.3% over ten years, much faster than average · about 12,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $100,490 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $64,790 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $85,390 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $71,430 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $49,350 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $47,180 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $61,600 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $64,730 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.