Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Oswego, IL: $82,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Oswego, IL earns a median $82,547/year (≈ $39.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Oswego's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $85,012 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Oswego, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist is $82,547 in 2026, reflecting a notable difference of nearly 18.89% lower than the national median of $101,775. The salary range extends from $57,084 at the 10th percentile to $110,754 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for variance based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that medical speech-language pathologists, often focusing on dysphagia, may be positioned at the higher end of the pay scale. This dynamic illustrates the demand for specialized skills in a growing Oswego job market where qualified candidates can command competitive salaries.
About the Oswego Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,084 | $27.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,963 | $32.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,547 | $39.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,136 | $46.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,754 | $53.24 |
Median Salary Position
18.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oswego
In Oswego, IL, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,670 (2026 est.). At $82,547, the local median is 18.89% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oswego: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oswego Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Oswego median: $82,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oswego Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $85,719 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -18.89% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Oswego, IL earn a median of $82,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $85,719.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oswego has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oswego, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $82,547 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,012 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,172
2025 BLS Actual
$79,380
2026 Current Est.
$82,547
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,421 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,841 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oswego metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $64,172 (2019) to $79,380 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,669 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oswego 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,084 – $67,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,963 – $82,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,547 – $96,136 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,136 – $110,754 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Oswego
The local job market for speech-language pathologists in Oswego shows a modest size, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. Despite housing costs being below the national average with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, this situation creates opportunities for higher take-home pay, particularly in settings such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, which typically offer the most advantageous salaries. Among the various employers, outpatient pediatric clinics and telepractice agencies are becoming increasingly relevant, especially post-2020, as telepractice has surged in popularity. Factors such as setting determined pay levels—medical roles often outpace those in schools or private practice. For maximizing earnings, pursuing specialty certifications, embracing year-round contracts, and actively seeking roles in high-demand areas will serve Oswego speech-language pathologists well in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Oswego, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,380 for speech-language pathologistsin the Oswego metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oswego 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