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Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chicago, IL

Speech-Language Pathologist salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026

The median Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL is $86,670 per year ($7,223/month, $42/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.

Entry Level
$64K
$31/hr
Median
$87K
$42/hr
Senior
$118K
$57/hr
Top Earner
$135K
$65/hr

Speech-Language Pathologist Take-Home Pay in Chicago

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$86,670
Federal Tax-$10,681
State Tax (5.0%)-$4,290
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$6,630
Annual Take-Home$65,068
Monthly Take-Home$5,422

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.2%
Median Home Price$320,000
Cost of Living Index107
City Median Salary$72,500
Speech-Language Pathologist vs City Median+$14,170

Speech-Language Pathologist Requirements

Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Job Growth
19.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing DisordersAAC DevicesPediatric Therapy

Chicago Job Market Overview

Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL is $86,670 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Speech-Language Pathologists earn around $64,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $117,700 or more.
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Speech-Language Pathologist earning the median salary of $86,670 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $65,068 per year ($5,422/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.9%.
Is Chicago a good city for Speech-Language Pathologists?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Speech-Language Pathologists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago?
Key skills for Speech-Language Pathologists include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Disorders, AAC Devices, Pediatric Therapy. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include CCC-SLP, State Licensure, ASHA Certification.
How does Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Speech-Language Pathologist salary is $81,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $86,670, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL?

The median Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL is $86,670 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Speech-Language Pathologists earn around $64,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $117,700 or more.

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist take home in Chicago after taxes?

A Speech-Language Pathologist earning the median salary of $86,670 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $65,068 per year ($5,422/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.9%.

Is Chicago a good city for Speech-Language Pathologists?

Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Speech-Language Pathologists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago?

Key skills for Speech-Language Pathologists include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Disorders, AAC Devices, Pediatric Therapy. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include CCC-SLP, State Licensure, ASHA Certification.

How does Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?

The national median Speech-Language Pathologist salary is $81,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $86,670, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.