Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $41.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Champaign, IL runs $41.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,865 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,522 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Champaign, Illinois, the hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is projected to be $41.28 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This difference may impact those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions, which are prevalent in various settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Champaign can expect to earn approximately $29.94 per hour, while seasoned professionals might command up to $60.53 per hour. Official BLS data reveals this hourly compensation structure, which reflects the diverse needs and contexts in which SLPs operate, from early intervention programs to skilled nursing facilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.94 | $239.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.09 | $264.72 |
| Median (P50) | $41.28 | $330.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.91 | $415.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.53 | $484.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $41.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.28/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $85,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,541. With a cost-of-living index of 92.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.36 | $7,156 | $85,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.82 | $4,294 | $51,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.54 | $2,862 | $34,348 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Champaign) | $41.28 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $85,865 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.63% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $85,693.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.28/hr = $51,522/year (purchasing power: $55,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,871/year (purchasing power: $92,629).
CoL index: 92.704 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Champaign grew 25.2% from $31.72/hr (2019) to $39.70/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.93/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
Considering the earning potential for part-time work, a speech-language pathologist in Champaign working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would earn about $51,302 annually, creating a different financial landscape compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem or agency SLPs often find themselves in a different pay bracket, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical roles in dysphagia reaching up to $110 per hour in cash practices. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer type; while school districts typically offer stability and benefits, medical settings and telepractice agencies may provide higher hourly compensation yet lack additional perks. For those entering negotiations, understanding the local market dynamics is key, and emphasizing the value of benefits versus higher hourly pay can make a significant difference in shaping one's career path in IL’s speech-language pathology field.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Champaign. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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