Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Chicago, IL is $97,326 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.
Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)
Chicago offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $97,326, which is $10,715 above the Illinois state average of $86,611. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Chicago pays above average for this role.
Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Chicago spans from $65,618 at the 10th percentile to $139,520 at the 90th percentile — a $73,902 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,580, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,800. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $67,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,618 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,570 |
| Median (50th) | $97,326 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $139,520 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago
Education
Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Chicago
Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Chicago, IL: