Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $40.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Aurora, IL runs $40.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,642 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in 2026 is $40.69, which falls below the national median of $48.93. This difference highlights potential challenges for professionals working part-time or as per-diem SLPs in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. Part-time clinicians working three days a week, or 24 hours, would earn approximately $976.56 weekly, which can vary significantly based on experience and caseload. On the lower end, entry-level positions may see hourly rates starting at $25.96, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $56.15. These figures provide a snapshot of the earning landscape for speech-language pathologists in Aurora, defined by their educational background and clinical expertise.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.96 | $207.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.06 | $248.49 |
| Median (P50) | $40.69 | $325.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.86 | $382.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.15 | $449.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $40.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.69/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,638 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,830. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,627.65 | $7,053 | $84,638 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.59 | $4,232 | $50,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.06 | $2,821 | $33,855 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Aurora) | $40.69 |
| Audiologist (National Avg) | $43.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| School / Educational Counselor (National Avg) | $30.85 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $31.40 |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $84,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.83% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $85,756.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.69/hr = $50,783/year (purchasing power: $52,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,638/year (purchasing power: $87,166).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Aurora grew 23.7% from $31.63/hr (2019) to $39.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Speech-Language Pathologist in Aurora
For part-time speech-language pathologists, the financial reality often differs significantly from their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour workweek yields an annual income that may pale compared to full-time employment, where benefits like health insurance come into play. Many per-diem SLPs charge between $50 and $75 an hour, and those in medical settings, particularly for dysphagia assessments, can reach rates of $80 to $110 per hour. Alternatively, telepractice positions generally pay between $40 and $60 per hour. Variability in hourly rates across different employer types in Aurora—such as school districts, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices—results in distinct trade-offs. Many SLPs opt for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for job stability and health benefits, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating the best rate, especially for per diem roles, requires awareness of current market rates and an understanding of the specific demands of each setting in Aurora.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Aurora?
Are speech-language pathologists in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Aurora?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for speech-language pathologists in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
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