Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,420▲ | $81,623 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.24▲ | $39.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,963▲ | $55,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,071▲ | $66,095 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,015▲ | $95,747 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,364▲ | $110,641 |
| Total Employed | 7,150▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $20,797 (25.48%). Chicago's median is +0.63% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $64,401,Crystal Lake spans $55,348. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($98,866 effective) pays 17.61% more than Crystal Lake ($84,061 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,420/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,364)
- ✓Larger job market (7,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,866)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Chicago grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$79,040 (2019) → $98,490 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$79,520 (2024) → $78,491 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Crystal Lake?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Crystal Lake as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Chicago vs Crystal Lake?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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