Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $42.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Conway, AR runs $42.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $42.27, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate offers flexibility for part-time and per-diem professionals working in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even telepractice environments. For those operating in Conway, the hourly range can vary from entry-level positions starting at approximately $27.58 to experienced practitioners earning as high as $57.16. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the demand for speech-language pathologists within the region's growing healthcare and educational facilities.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.58 | $220.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Median (P50) | $42.27 | $338.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.33 | $394.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.16 | $457.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $42.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.27/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $87,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,726. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,690.88 | $7,327 | $87,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.53 | $4,396 | $52,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.35 | $2,931 | $35,170 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Conway) | $42.27 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $87,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% above the Arkansas state average of $84,537.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.27/hr = $52,755/year (purchasing power: $60,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,926/year (purchasing power: $101,180).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Conway grew 23.7% from $32.86/hr (2019) to $40.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.96/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 Conway 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 Conway
Considering the local context, part-time speech-language pathologists who work three days a week can expect to take home about $50,000 annually, contrasting sharply with the earnings of full-time colleagues. Per-diem hires in Conway frequently charge $50-$75 per hour, especially in medical settings where specialized skills, such as dysphagia evaluations, can yield $80-$110 per hour. Hourly pay varies depending on the type of employer; for instance, school districts typically offer lower pay scales, while outpatient clinics and telepractice agencies provide more competitive rates. Many SLPs face the decision of accepting lower hourly wages for steady benefits, such as health insurance, an essential consideration in this profession. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for clinicians to research local averages and be prepared to discuss their skills and certifications, such as the CCC-SLP obtained from ASHA, which can bolster their bargaining position.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Conway?
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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 Conway. 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 Conway 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