Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $40.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Joliet, IL runs $40.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is set at $40.94 in 2026. When juxtaposed with the national hourly median of $48.93, this rate highlights a pay differential that may influence job decisions for professionals considering employment in the area. For those opting for part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates to significant take-home earnings, especially when working in diverse settings like school therapy rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in Joliet varies widely, from $26.51 at the entry level to approximately $57.01 for top earners, which illustrates the potential for growth in this field based on experience and type of practice.
About the Joliet 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) | $26.51 | $212.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.42 | $259.39 |
| Median (P50) | $40.94 | $327.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.45 | $387.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.01 | $456.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $40.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.94/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $85,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,129. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,637.63 | $7,096 | $85,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $982.58 | $4,258 | $51,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.05 | $2,839 | $34,063 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Joliet) | $40.94 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $85,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.32% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $85,676.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.94/hr = $51,094/year (purchasing power: $52,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,157/year (purchasing power: $87,700).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Joliet grew 23.7% from $31.83/hr (2019) to $39.37/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.57/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Evaluating the financial landscape further, part-time speech-language pathologists working around 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $51,321 annually, which is notably lower than their full-time counterparts. As for per-diem roles, the pay fluctuates considerably; many bill between $50 and $75 per hour, particularly in acute care settings, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command rates reaching $80 to $110 per hour. Different employer types, such as school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices, also dictate varying pay scales due to the niche needs and funding structures in Joliet, IL. Moreover, while some SLPs may opt for positions with lower hourly pay due to the added benefits of health insurance, others may pursue higher rates that lack such perks. Negotiating effectively for hourly rates can be crucial, especially in the evolving job market, where knowledge of typical wages for different specializations can provide leverage for prospective hires.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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