Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $40.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fort Smith, AR runs $40.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,731 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the average hourly compensation for speech-language pathologists stands at $40.65, which is notably below the national hourly median of $48.93. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to an annual income of approximately $31,000, a figure that may not sufficiently cover the cost of living in the area. Common environments for these professionals include school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. Their work settings can vary greatly, leading to an hourly range from $25.40 for entry-level positions up to $62.40 for top earners. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, highlights the diverse roles speech-language pathologists undertake and the varying expectations regarding compensation in Fort Smith.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.40 | $203.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.72 | $277.78 |
| Median (P50) | $40.65 | $325.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.33 | $386.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.40 | $499.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
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 Fort Smith, AR 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 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| 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 (Fort Smith) | $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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $84,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.93% lower than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.65/hr = $50,731/year (purchasing power: $59,066).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,551/year (purchasing power: $98,444).
CoL index: 85.888 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.91/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 Fort Smith grew 54.8% from $25.25/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
For part-time speech-language pathologists working 24 hours each week in Fort Smith, the earning potential often reflects the trade-offs in the field. While full-time roles could yield upwards of $84,544 annually, many opt for per-diem contracts that can significantly boost their hourly earnings. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Fort Smith may range from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical professionals focusing on dysphagia potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour. Furthermore, telepractice positions often offer flexible contracts priced between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on the case structure. The employment setting also influences wage potential; school districts typically provide lower rates compared to hospital-based roles, prompting some professionals to accept lower pay for the benefits like health insurance. Negotiating pay in Fort Smith involves understanding local demand and tailoring discussions to emphasize unique skills and specialties, ultimately helping many SLPs secure a compensation structure that aligns with their career goals.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
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
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 Fort Smith. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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