Entry-Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Derby, KS: $59,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:New speech-language pathologists entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,524 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1127, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,483 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,228) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates venturing into the field of speech-language pathology in Derby, Kansas, the entry-level speech-language pathologist salary is projected to start at approximately $59,524 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city’s median of $91,228, it offers a realistic entry point for recent MS/MA-SLP program graduates. Over the initial years, entry-level SLPs can anticipate salary growth, moving from this starting point up to about $72,193 within a few years. Given the consistent demand for services, particularly within school districts—which employ around 55% of speech-language pathologists—Derby presents a viable job market for new graduates to establish their careers while gaining invaluable experience through structured mentorship opportunities and diverse professional settings.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Derby, KS typically start between $59,524 and $72,193 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,461 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,228 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average speech-language pathology program cost in Kansas of $55,000 represents just 92.40% of the starting speech-language pathologist pay ($59,524/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAA-accredited Master's in Speech-Language Pathology programs. Tuition varies widely between public in-state and private institutions; most programs also require a Clinical Fellowship Year for ASHA certification.
SLP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level speech-language pathologist pay ranges from $59,524 to $72,193, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the speech-language pathology field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Speech-Language Pathologist Compensation Range
The speech-language pathologist wage spread in Derby is $61,461 ( 103.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,524, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,985.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,355
2025 BLS Actual
$57,240
2026 Current Est.
$59,524
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,693 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,298 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,138 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,899 | Projected |
Entry-level speech-language pathologist compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,355 in 2019 to $57,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,899. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Starting Your speech-language pathology Career in Derby
Job opportunities in Derby are diverse, with prominent employers including local school districts, hospital systems, and pediatric private practices. Many school districts have robust mentorship programs for Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) candidates, nurturing new grads as they work toward obtaining their ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Additionally, hospital systems often provide residency tracks that focus on medical SLP skills, particularly in areas like dysphagia, where compensation tends to be higher. Early-career professionals should consider obtaining credentials such as a state SLP license and pursuing optional board certifications to enhance their marketability and starting pay. With a favorable growth rate of 3.99% expected in the profession over the coming years, aspiring SLPs can realistically anticipate reaching the median salary and beyond, particularly if they remain flexible in choosing between school and medical pathways in speech-language pathology.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new speech-language pathology graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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