Oak Park vs Peoria: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Oak Park, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Park, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,091 | $85,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.91 | $41.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,969 | $59,607▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,011▲ | $67,406 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,389 | $102,753▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,980▲ | $108,087 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Park.
The salary gap between Oak Park and Peoria is $243 (0.29%). Peoria's median is -16.15% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Park spans $62,011,Peoria spans $48,480. Oak Park 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, Peoria ($93,536 effective) pays 6.74% more than Oak Park ($87,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,980)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,536)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Oak Park grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Oak Park, IL
$82,899 (2024) → $81,826 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$70,990 (2019) → $82,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Park, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Oak Park or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Park and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Oak Park to Peoria as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Oak Park vs Peoria?
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