Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $40.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in East Chicago, IN runs $40.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,545 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in East Chicago, Indiana, is $40.65. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $48.93, reflective of the regional economic landscape and cost of living, which sits below the national average at 91.3. For part-time SLPs working around three days a week, this hourly rate provides a foundation for income potential while allowing for flexible schedules in various therapeutic environments—such as school therapy rooms, hospitals for dysphagia evaluations, and telepractice sessions. Entry-level SLPs may earn around $27.22 per hour, while more experienced professionals can make as much as $54.73 per hour, demonstrating a substantial range in earnings in East Chicago's job market.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.22 | $217.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.68 | $261.47 |
| Median (P50) | $40.65 | $325.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.46 | $379.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.73 | $437.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $40.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.65/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $84,551 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,780. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,625.99 | $7,046 | $84,551 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.59 | $4,228 | $50,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.40 | $2,818 | $33,821 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (East Chicago) | $40.65 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $84,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.93% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $87,611.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.65/hr = $50,731/year (purchasing power: $55,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,551/year (purchasing power: $92,608).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in East Chicago grew 23.7% from $31.60/hr (2019) to $39.09/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.27/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
Considering the local employment scenario, part-time SLPs working about 24 hours a week might expect to take home approximately $50,646 annually compared to full-time counterparts, who benefit from higher overall earnings. For those seeking flexibility, per diem opportunities are appealing; agency or locum tenens speech-language pathologists often command between $50 and $75 per hour, whereas clinical specialists in dysphagia can earn from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-based practices. Hourly wages vary by employer type, with school districts typically offering lower rates in exchange for job security and benefits, while medical facilities and outpatient clinics might provide higher compensation but less stability. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires understanding local salary benchmarks and employer expectations, especially when balancing the benefits of full-time positions against higher hourly rates in freelance or contract roles for a per diem speech-language pathologist in East Chicago.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in East Chicago in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 East Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Chicago is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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