Buffalo Grove vs Rockford: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Buffalo Grove, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo Grove, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,150 | $100,600▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.45 | $48.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,603 | $66,897▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,388 | $81,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,010 | $107,962▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,843▲ | $110,708 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo Grove.
The salary gap between Buffalo Grove and Rockford is $16,450 (19.55%). Rockford's median is -1.15% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo Grove spans $57,240,Rockford spans $43,811. Buffalo Grove has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($109,165 effective) pays 25.96% more than Buffalo Grove ($86,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,843)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,600/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,165)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Buffalo Grove grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Buffalo Grove, IL
$81,983 (2024) → $80,921 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$73,000 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo Grove, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Buffalo Grove or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo Grove and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Buffalo Grove to Rockford as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Buffalo Grove vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov