Naperville vs Rockford: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Naperville, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Naperville, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,489▲ | $100,600 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.76▲ | $48.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,109 | $66,897▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,105 | $81,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,608▲ | $107,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,453▲ | $110,708 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Naperville and Rockford is $2,889 (2.87%). Naperville's median is +1.68% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naperville spans $86,344,Rockford spans $43,811. Naperville 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 2.43% more than Naperville ($106,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,489/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,453)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓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 Naperville grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Naperville, IL
$85,222 (2024) → $99,518 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$73,000 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Naperville, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Naperville or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Naperville and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Naperville to Rockford as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Naperville 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