Elmhurst vs Springfield: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Elmhurst, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmhurst, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,084 | $85,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.99 | $41.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,060 | $58,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,019 | $65,649▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,746 | $109,293▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,022 | $123,051▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmhurst.
The salary gap between Elmhurst and Springfield is $4,479 (5.52%). Springfield's median is -15.93% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmhurst spans $51,962,Springfield spans $64,869. Springfield 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, Springfield ($92,256 effective) pays 10.48% more than Elmhurst ($83,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmhurst if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,051)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,256)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Elmhurst grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Elmhurst, IL
$78,995 (2024) → $77,973 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$67,910 (2019) → $82,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmhurst, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Elmhurst or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elmhurst and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Elmhurst to Springfield as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Elmhurst vs Springfield?
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