Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Rockford, IL is $75,004 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$75,004
vs State Avg
$-11,607
vs National
$-14,286
Cost of Living
82%

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $75,004, which is $11,607 below the Illinois state average of $86,611. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $75,004 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $91,468 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Rockford spans from $50,568 at the 10th percentile to $107,520 at the 90th percentile — a $56,952 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $50,568
25th Percentile $61,320
Median (50th) $75,004
75th Percentile $90,720
90th Percentile $107,520

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$98,219
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$97,326
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$86,611
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$77,682
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Rockford

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $75,004 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $50,568 (10th percentile) to $107,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,004, a speech-language pathologist in Rockford earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Rockford's median speech-language pathologist salary of $75,004 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $86,611. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $75,004 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Rockford? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Rockford require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.