Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $49.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Chicago, IL runs $49.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,420 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,451 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the hourly compensation for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $49.24 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $48.93. This rate offers substantial earning potential for professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles, especially in various therapeutic settings such as schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice environments. For those employed three days a week, work entails flexible hours in push-in or pull-out therapy sessions and handling evaluations for dysphagia at hospital bedside or through online platforms. Entry-level speech-language pathologists may start at around $31.24 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $62.20, showcasing a viable financial trajectory for career growth. This information is derived from official BLS hourly data, indicating the competitive nature of the profession within Illinois.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.24 | $249.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.98 | $311.80 |
| Median (P50) | $49.24 | $393.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.81 | $438.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.20 | $497.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $49.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.24/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $102,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,087. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,969.57 | $8,535 | $102,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,181.74 | $5,121 | $61,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.83 | $3,414 | $40,967 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Chicago) | $49.24 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $102,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 19.50% above the Illinois state average of $85,707.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.24/hr = $61,451/year (purchasing power: $59,318).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,418/year (purchasing power: $98,864).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chicago grew 24.6% from $38.00/hr (2019) to $47.35/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.20/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
When considering part-time positions, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week might earn less than their full-time counterparts, but the flexibility can be appealing. Annually, part-timers may take home $61,217, compared to the more stable income of full-time workers. For per-diem work, SLPs, particularly in medical settings, could see rates ranging from $50 to $110 per hour, with telepractice contracts offering approximately $40 to $60 depending on client load and contract specifics. Additionally, hourly varying rates reflect employer types, with school districts generally offering a lower hourly rate compared to inpatient rehabilitation facilities or early intervention programs. This disparity often leads SLPs to negotiate based on their needs, opting for potentially lower pay in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, which may not be available with higher hourly contracts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone navigating their career path in Chicago's speech-language pathology field, especially those working toward their CCC-SLP during their clinical fellowship year.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 Chicago. 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