HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$72,436/yr
Typical range: $73,203 – $86,263
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Speech-Language Pathologist salary by experience level in Chicago
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $72,436 | $6,036 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,993 | $7,416 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $98,651 | $8,221 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $109,275 | $9,106 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,454 | $11,038 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,323 | $12,694 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $157,290 | $13,108 | +117% |
Current Salary
$72,436
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$88,993
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Speech-Language Pathologists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $72K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $72K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago, IL earns $124K–$146K/yr.