Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Carbondale, IL: $38.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Carbondale, IL runs $38.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Carbondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carbondale, Illinois, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $38.60, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This disparity suggests that SLPs in the region may experience unique workplace dynamics, especially in typical settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For example, those working part-time, approximately three days per week, will find that earning this hourly rate allows for flexible scheduling while catering to the needs of diverse populations, whether that involves delivering AAC device trial sessions or providing bedside dysphagia evaluations in hospitals. The hourly range spans from $27.91 for entry-level positions to about $50.35 for top earners in Carbondale, reflecting varying levels of experience and the scope of practice undertaken.
About the Carbondale 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) | $27.91 | $223.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.47 | $259.73 |
| Median (P50) | $38.60 | $308.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.45 | $355.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.35 | $402.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carbondale
Based on $38.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.60/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carbondale, IL can expect to earn approximately $80,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,321. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carbondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carbondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,544.04 | $6,691 | $80,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $926.43 | $4,015 | $48,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.62 | $2,676 | $32,116 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Carbondale) | $38.60 |
| 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 Carbondale, IL earn a median of $80,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.12% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $85,682.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.60/hr = $48,174/year (purchasing power: $49,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,290/year (purchasing power: $82,688).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Carbondale grew 13.2% from $32.79/hr (2019) to $37.12/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.14/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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale
In analyzing part-time pay for a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week in Carbondale, the annual earnings come to approximately $48,000, contrasting markedly with full-time wages. Per diem and agency opportunities introduce variable earning potential, as these SLPs may command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can charge upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Moreover, hourly compensation can significantly vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, SLPs in hospital settings or skilled nursing facilities often enjoy higher pay compared to those in school districts, which make up about 55% of the workforce. When considering employment options, many SLPs must balance the trade-off between higher hourly rates that lack benefits against positions that offer full health insurance and retirement plans. Practitioners in Carbondale should also seize opportunities to negotiate hourly rates, particularly when shifting towards lucrative per diem or telepractice roles, to optimize their total compensation.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Carbondale in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Carbondale?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Carbondale?
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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 Carbondale. 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 Carbondale 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