Chicago vs Naperville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,420 | $103,489▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.24 | $49.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,963▲ | $63,109 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,071▲ | $79,105 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,015 | $119,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,364 | $149,453▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,150▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $1,069 (1.04%). Naperville's median is +1.68% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $64,401,Naperville spans $86,344. Naperville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($106,580 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($98,866 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,489/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,453)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,580)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Chicago grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$79,040 (2019) → $98,490 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$85,222 (2024) → $99,518 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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