Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $39.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in DeKalb, IL runs $39.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,485 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in DeKalb, Illinois, is projected to be $39.65, a figure considerably lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This rate offers a perspective on earnings for part-time and per-diem workers in the field. For instance, SLPs working three days a week may find this hourly rate translates to a manageable but consistent income, suitable for therapies delivered in various environments such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, and private practices. The hourly compensation for speech-language pathologists in DeKalb ranges from $27.54 at the entry-level to as much as $54.54 for those with significant experience or in specialized roles, estimated based on corresponding annual salary data.
About the DeKalb 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) | $27.54 | $220.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.61 | $260.89 |
| Median (P50) | $39.65 | $317.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.65 | $357.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.54 | $436.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $39.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.65/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $82,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,582. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.06 | $6,873 | $82,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.63 | $4,124 | $49,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.42 | $2,749 | $32,990 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (DeKalb) | $39.65 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $82,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $85,739.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.65/hr = $49,485/year (purchasing power: $50,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,475/year (purchasing power: $84,938).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in DeKalb grew 23.7% from $30.83/hr (2019) to $38.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.23/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
For speech-language pathologists considering part-time work, earning potential at the DeKalb hourly rate means taking home an income reflective of their working hours. A SLP working 24 hours a week could still generate a yearly income that can fit within financial needs, but it wouldn’t match the annual compensation of full-time practitioners. Per diem and agency roles provide another avenue, with some SLPs billing between $50-$75 per hour, particularly in specialized medical placements. In DeKalb, varying employer types create different hourly rates—school districts may offer lower wages compared to outpatient clinics or hospitals, which often pay more. Additionally, SLPs sometimes accept lower hourly wages from school districts in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer working at higher rates without such perks. Negotiation can be crucial for those seeking to maximize their pay; emphasizing unique skill sets and leveraging local demand can aid in discussions about compensation, particularly in a city where schools dominate the employment market for SLPs.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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