Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $40.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Decatur, IL runs $40.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,856 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,913 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $40.80, which comes in lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals in diverse settings. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this could mean earning around $974 weekly before taxes, a notably flexible arrangement ideal for balancing personal commitments. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $30.04 and experienced specialists reaching $58.45. These rates reflect current trends based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight distinct opportunities across environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice platforms.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.04 | $240.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.61 | $252.90 |
| Median (P50) | $40.80 | $326.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.74 | $453.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.45 | $467.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $40.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.80/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,854 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,954. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,631.81 | $7,071 | $84,854 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $979.09 | $4,243 | $50,913 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $652.72 | $2,828 | $33,942 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Decatur) | $40.80 |
| Audiologist (National Avg) | $43.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| School / Educational Counselor (National Avg) | $30.85 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $31.40 |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Decatur, IL earn a median of $84,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.62% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.00% below the Illinois state average of $85,713.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.80/hr = $50,913/year (purchasing power: $57,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,854/year (purchasing power: $95,965).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Decatur grew 25.1% from $31.35/hr (2019) to $39.23/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Speech-Language Pathologist in Decatur
Exploring part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week may earn roughly $50,812 annually, compared to a full-time salary. Per diem or agency clinicians in Decatur might navigate a different pay scale, typically charging between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focused on dysphagia can exceed that, earning $80-$110 per hour in cash-based practices. Telepractice contracts generally fall between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on caseload arrangements. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type; for instance, schools may offer lower hourly figures than hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. When considering offers, SLPs should weigh the value of benefits against higher hourly rates that may come without health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay in Decatur should focus on local market rates, demonstrating skills and experience while also keeping in mind the demand for SLPs across different specialties.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for speech-language pathologists in Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
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