Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $43.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Little Rock, AR runs $43.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,897 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $43.19 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This difference of approximately 11.74% reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living in AR, which is currently indexed at 89.364, below the national average. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically putting in 24 hours, the financial landscape can be quite sustainable, allowing them to balance work with other commitments, such as continuing education or clinical fellowship years (CFY). The hourly pay structure ranges from $31.44 at the entry-level (P10) to $67.02 for more experienced clinicians (P90), providing an appealing avenue for those working in diverse settings like schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.44 | $251.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.79 | $286.35 |
| Median (P50) | $43.19 | $345.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.59 | $484.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.02 | $536.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $43.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.19/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $89,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,824. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.48 | $7,486 | $89,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.49 | $4,491 | $53,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.99 | $2,994 | $35,932 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Little Rock) | $43.19 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $89,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.74% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.20% above the Arkansas state average of $84,582.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.19/hr = $53,897/year (purchasing power: $60,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,829/year (purchasing power: $100,520).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Little Rock grew 23.3% from $33.69/hr (2019) to $41.53/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.91/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
For those considering part-time or per-diem roles in speech-language pathology, the earning potential varies greatly. A speech-language pathologist working three days a week would earn around $53,834 annually, compared to a full-time position yielding approximately $89,827. Per diem speech-language pathologists pay in Little Rock often falls between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia commanding rates of $80 to $110 in cash practices. This flexibility attracts many clinicians who prefer high hourly earnings over comprehensive benefits, especially those in school systems, outpatient facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. Negotiation remains crucial; clinicians should be prepared to discuss their experiences and specialty areas to secure favorable rates. Overall, understanding the distinct payer dynamics and how they differ by employer type can guide both recent graduates and seasoned professionals in navigating their careers effectively in the Little Rock area.
More salary data for Little Rock, 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 Little Rock. 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