Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Naperville, IL: $49.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Naperville, IL runs $49.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Naperville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Naperville, Illinois, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $49.76 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $48.93. This rate offers ample opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, who frequently operate in diverse settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even telepractice. With an hourly range spanning from approximately $30.34 at the entry-level to around $71.86 for top earners, professionals can tailor their schedules for work-life balance without sacrificing pay. While these estimates are derived from annual salary figures, they provide a solid foundation for understanding earning potential in this vital field.
About the Naperville 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) | $30.34 | $242.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.03 | $304.23 |
| Median (P50) | $49.76 | $398.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.51 | $460.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.86 | $574.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Naperville
Based on $49.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.76/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Naperville, IL can expect to earn approximately $103,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,711. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Naperville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Naperville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,990.37 | $8,625 | $103,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,194.22 | $5,175 | $62,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.15 | $3,450 | $41,400 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Naperville) | $49.76 |
| 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 Naperville, IL earn a median of $103,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.68% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 20.70% above the Illinois state average of $85,740.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.76/hr = $62,100/year (purchasing power: $63,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,499/year (purchasing power: $106,590).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Naperville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Naperville grew 23.7% from $38.68/hr (2019) to $47.85/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.74/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 Naperville 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 Naperville
Exploring part-time work in Naperville reveals a 24-hour weekly schedule can yield an annual income of about $61,798 for a speech-language pathologist, significantly lower than what full-time counterparts earn. Per-diem speech-language pathologists generally see hourly rates between $50 and $75, while those specializing in dysphagia may bill upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Variations across employer types also influence pay, with school districts typically offering lower rates compared to hospital and private practice settings, where medical professionals are compensated more. Many speech-language pathologists face the dilemma of choosing between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower rates that include health insurance and other perks. Negotiating effectively in Naperville means recognizing the trade-offs in pay and benefits while advocating for compensation that reflects your expertise and the demands of the job.
More salary data for Naperville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Naperville?
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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 Naperville. 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 Naperville 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