Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Illinois
Based on 9K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$95,080
$45.71/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
+4.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $124K
9K employed in Illinois
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Illinois averages $95,080 per year, which is approximately 4% above the national average. With nearly 9,040 professionals employed in the state, Illinois offers competitive compensation in this growing healthcare field. Salaries across the state range from $60,870 to $123,800, reflecting variations based on experience and employment setting.
Several factors influence Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and work environment. SLPs employed in hospitals or private practice typically earn more than those in schools or nonprofit organizations. Geographic location within Illinois, client population served, and specialized certifications also play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,870 |
| 25th percentile | $76,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $95,080 |
| 75th percentile | $108,330 |
| 90th percentile | $123,800 |
Top-Paying Industries for Speech-Language Pathologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Speech-Language Pathologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Speech-Language Pathologists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $120,440 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $106,080 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,370 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $103,240 | 4K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,810 | 98K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Speech-Language Pathologist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,630 |
| 2023 | $84,580 |
| 2024 | $82,480 |
| 2025 | $95,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,785 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,630 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $84,580 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $82,480 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $95,080 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,785 | $96,793 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $95,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,800 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($95,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +444.6% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +360.7% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +201.7% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +172.1% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +157.8% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +118.8% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +106.9% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +76.1% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +64.2% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +53.2% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +48.0% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +46.3% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Illinois?
- Speech-language pathologists in Illinois earn a median salary of $95,080 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. This is about 4.1% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for SLPs working in Illinois?
- The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Illinois spans from $60,870 to $123,800 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer type within the state.
Is Illinois a good state for speech-language pathologist salaries?
- Yes, Illinois offers competitive salaries for speech-language pathologists, with median earnings of $95,080 annually that exceed the national average by 4.1%. The state also employs 9,040 SLPs, indicating strong job availability in the field.
What's the hourly wage for a speech-language pathologist in Illinois?
- Speech-language pathologists in Illinois earn an average hourly wage of $46 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $95,080.