Rockford vs Streamwood: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Streamwood, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,600▲ | $81,929 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.37▲ | $39.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,897▲ | $55,997 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,726▲ | $66,711 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,962▲ | $96,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,708 | $111,437▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Streamwood.
The salary gap between Rockford and Streamwood is $18,671 (22.79%). 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 Rockford spans $43,811,Streamwood spans $55,440. Streamwood 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, Rockford ($109,165 effective) pays 29.38% more than Streamwood ($84,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Streamwood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,437)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Rockford grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Streamwood over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$73,000 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
Streamwood, IL
$79,818 (2024) → $78,785 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Streamwood, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Rockford or Streamwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Streamwood?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Streamwood as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Rockford vs Streamwood?
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