Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
A person who is engaged in social services to individuals, social group work, community organizations for social welfare, social work research, social welfare administration or social work education.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,090 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $58,090, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Illinois earn 3% below the national median of $60,060. Illinois ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$58,090Hourly estimate
$27.933% below national median
Difference: -$1,970
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $58,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $57,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $50,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $45,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $54,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Illinois is $58,090. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $87,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Illinois earn 3% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $58,090.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1,730 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.