Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $40.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Evanston, IL runs $40.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,146 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the projected median hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist is $40.98, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This disparity highlights the unique dynamics of the local job market and reflects factors such as the cost of living index, which stands at 97.1. For part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists, this hourly wage can translate into various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. Many practitioners in Evanston can expect to earn between $25.13 at the entry level and up to $57.53 per hour for top earners in specialized roles. These hourly pay rates, estimated from annual salary data, provide crucial insight into the compensation landscape for SLPs working in diverse environments throughout the region.
About the Evanston 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) | $25.13 | $201.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.34 | $250.74 |
| Median (P50) | $40.98 | $327.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.09 | $392.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.53 | $460.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $40.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.98/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $85,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,179. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,639.30 | $7,104 | $85,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.58 | $4,262 | $51,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.72 | $2,841 | $34,097 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Evanston) | $40.98 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $85,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $85,748.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.98/hr = $51,146/year (purchasing power: $52,674).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,244/year (purchasing power: $87,789).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Evanston grew 23.7% from $31.86/hr (2019) to $39.41/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.62/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
The earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in Evanston who work three days a week equates to an annual income that significantly differs from full-time counterparts. Typically, a part-time SLP working 24 hours per week may take home around $51,032 annually, a considerable amount that can vary widely based on employer type. Per-diem positions are particularly lucrative; SLPs in this capacity often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia earning upwards of $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice contracts offer rates from $40 to $60 per hour, making them attractive options. Various employer settings, from school districts to skilled nursing facilities, also influence hourly pay, with some professionals opting for lower rates at schools in exchange for health benefits. When negotiating, it is wise for local speech-language pathologists to consider both hourly pay and the accompanying perks as they seek to align their career goals with financial wellness in IL.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Evanston?
Are speech-language pathologists in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Evanston?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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