Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $40.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wheeling, IL runs $40.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,199 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $40.22, noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This disparity reflects the local market dynamics and could influence career decisions for both entry-level and seasoned professionals. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this figure translates into a reliable income stream whether one works in school therapy rooms, performs bedside dysphagia evaluations in hospitals, or engages with clients in outpatient clinics. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in Wheeling spans from $27.63 for entry-level positions to $54.93 for those in top-tier roles, illustrating potential for growth and variation based on experience and workplace setting. These hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salaries, which speak to the financial landscape within the state of Illinois.
About the Wheeling 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) | $27.63 | $221.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.89 | $263.14 |
| Median (P50) | $40.22 | $321.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.52 | $380.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.93 | $439.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $40.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.22/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $83,665 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,268. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,608.93 | $6,972 | $83,665 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.36 | $4,183 | $50,199 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.57 | $2,789 | $33,466 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wheeling) | $40.22 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $83,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.79% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $85,729.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.22/hr = $50,199/year (purchasing power: $51,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,665/year (purchasing power: $86,163).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wheeling grew 23.7% from $31.27/hr (2019) to $38.68/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.83/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Hourly opportunities in Wheeling provide insight into part-time and per-diem earnings, particularly for those working 24 hours a week. A speech-language pathologist in this arrangement could expect to take home approximately $62,400 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Wheeling often exceeds standard hourly wages, with professionals billing between $50 and $75 per hour, especially in specialized medical practices focusing on dysphagia, where rates can reach $80 to $110 per hour. Variations in hourly rates further depend on the employer type: school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice agencies each present different compensation structures. While higher hourly wages often lack benefits like health insurance, many SLPs trade pay for health security, particularly when considering career choices as they pursue CCC-SLP credentials. Negotiating hourly rates can be effective; knowing local market expectations and reflecting on the value of benefits is crucial for informed decision-making in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wheeling, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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