Decatur vs Rockford: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Decatur, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,856 | $100,600▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.80 | $48.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,488 | $66,897▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,753 | $81,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,018▲ | $107,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,585▲ | $110,708 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Rockford is $15,744 (18.55%). Rockford's median is -1.15% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $59,097,Rockford spans $43,811. Decatur 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, Rockford ($109,165 effective) pays 13.75% more than Decatur ($95,967 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,585)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,600/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,165)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Decatur grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$65,200 (2019) → $81,600 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$73,000 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Decatur or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Rockford as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Decatur vs Rockford?
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