Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in St. Charles, IL: $40.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in St. Charles, IL runs $40.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against St. Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,692 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Charles, Illinois, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.62, which falls short of the national hourly median of $48.93. This difference reflects the broader market trends and might affect those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements. For example, a speech-language pathologist working part-time, say three days a week, could find a feasible balance between their earnings and work-life flexibility. The hourly range for practitioners in this field varies significantly, stretching from $26.48 for entry-level positions to $52.30 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary data, indicating that while some positions in educational settings or outpatient clinics may offer lower compensation, specialized roles—especially in dysphagia assessment within medical settings—may provide better pay opportunities.
About the St. Charles 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) | $26.48 | $211.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.12 | $256.98 |
| Median (P50) | $40.62 | $324.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.09 | $368.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.30 | $418.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Charles
Based on $40.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.62/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Charles, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,742. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,624.74 | $7,041 | $84,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.84 | $4,224 | $50,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.90 | $2,816 | $33,795 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (St. Charles) | $40.62 |
| 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 St. Charles, IL earn a median of $84,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.98% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $85,688.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.62/hr = $50,692/year (purchasing power: $52,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,486/year (purchasing power: $87,010).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in St. Charles grew 23.7% from $31.58/hr (2019) to $39.06/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.24/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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles
For those contemplating a 3-day work schedule, a speech-language pathologist's annual earnings could be around $31,561, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still providing a reasonable income for those focused on work-life balance. Per diem positions are particularly lucrative, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, and specialized medical roles might command even higher rates that can reach $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Employers in St. Charles, including school districts and skilled nursing facilities, offer varied hourly rates, so SLPs must understand the trade-offs. For instance, positions with lower hourly rates may come with health benefits, making them attractive to some practitioners. To maximize earning potential, savvy candidates should negotiate based on local demand and quality of life factors, emphasizing their specialized skills and experience.
More salary data for St. Charles, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in St. Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in St. Charles?
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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 St. Charles. 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 St. Charles 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