Rockford vs Wheaton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,600▲ | $84,242 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.37▲ | $40.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,897▲ | $56,843 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,726▲ | $68,302 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,962▲ | $99,608 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,708 | $116,510▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheaton is $16,358 (19.42%). 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,Wheaton spans $59,667. Wheaton 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 25.83% more than Wheaton ($86,758 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 Wheaton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,510)
- ✓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 Wheaton over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$73,000 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$82,072 (2024) → $81,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Rockford or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheaton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Rockford vs Wheaton?
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