Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $44,700 -25.6% vs national
Median hourly $21.49
10th percentile $36,740
90th percentile $70,450
Employed locally 30
National median $60,060

Compare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary & buying power

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
in
Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,740
    25th
    $38,510
    50th (median)
    $44,700
    75th
    $50,780
    90th
    $70,450

    Top-paying metros for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Cheyenne, WY $118,900
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $116,630
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $102,760
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $101,100
    Vallejo, CA $98,680
    Las Cruces, NM $97,490

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers $50,130
    Social and Human Service Assistants $42,550
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $52,320
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $60,200
    Rehabilitation Counselors $51,270
    Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $62,370

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Northwest Illinois is $21.49, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.87 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries?

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Northwest Illinois is 25.6% below the national median of $60,060. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $36,740 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,510.