The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Employment
Major employers:
- State and local government agencies
- Social services agencies
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Outpatient care centers
Outlook
Growth for this career will be faster than average. The fastest growth will occur in mental health care social work. Healthcare and substance abuse social workers will also be in high demand. As the population grows there is also a greater need for child and family social workers. Social workers will also be needed to help elderly people get the services they need. Growth may be limited due to budget cuts at all levels of government.
Job openings also occur as people retire. Job prospects may be best for people who specialize in gerontology, mental health, or health care.
Social Workers (CIS 100202)
Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
Illinois |
24,927 Very large |
& |
8.3% |
8.2% |
>>>> |
2,575 Very High |
Champaign Area |
514 Large |
& |
3.9% |
5.2% |
>>>> |
51 Moderate |
Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
552 Large |
& |
3.6% |
2.9% |
>>>> |
53 Moderate |
Cook County |
11,800 Very large |
& |
9.8% |
9.2% |
>>>> |
1,246 Very High |
Decatur Area |
245 Large |
& |
9.0% |
3.8% |
>>>> |
26 Few |
DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
1,022 Large |
& |
2.5% |
10.3% |
>>>> |
97 Moderate |
Du Page County |
1,913 Very large |
& |
15.0% |
8.8% |
>>>> |
217 High |
Edwardsville Area |
422 Large |
& |
14.9% |
12.4% |
>>>> |
47 Moderate |
Jacksonville-Carlinville-Litchfield Area |
198 Large |
& |
4.0% |
-0.2% |
>>>> |
20 Few |
Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
335 Large |
& |
7.8% |
6.0% |
>>>> |
35 Few |
Lake County |
958 Large |
& |
8.5% |
11.7% |
>>>> |
100 Moderate |
McHenry County |
340 Large |
& |
4.1% |
7.6% |
>>>> |
33 Few |
Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
637 Very large |
& |
11.9% |
4.4% |
>>>> |
69 High |
Northwest Illinois Area |
479 Large |
& |
4.2% |
4.3% |
>>>> |
47 Moderate |
Peoria-Bloomington Area |
1,117 Very large |
& |
1.6% |
4.5% |
>>>> |
104 Moderate |
Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
514 Large |
& |
3.5% |
3.5% |
>>>> |
49 Moderate |
Rock Island-Moline Area |
295 Large |
& |
7.8% |
5.6% |
>>>> |
28 Few |
Rockford Area |
626 Large |
& |
1.4% |
6.6% |
>>>> |
58 Moderate |
Shawnee National Forest Area |
327 Very large |
& |
3.4% |
1.1% |
>>>> |
31 Moderate |
Springfield Area |
1,144 Very large |
& |
5.0% |
4.6% |
>>>> |
113 High |
St Louis-Belleville Area |
697 Very large |
& |
-1.7% |
0.9% |
>>>> |
61 Moderate |
Vermilion County |
121 Large |
& |
4.1% |
-0.5% |
>>>> |
12 Few |
Will County |
753 Large |
& |
13.5% |
14.9% |
>>>> |
83 Moderate |
United States |
682,800 Very large |
& |
7.5% |
4.0% |
>>>> |
61,300 High |