Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Elkhart, IN: $40.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Elkhart, IN runs $40.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,306 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Elkhart's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,991 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Elkhart, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is set at $40.06, which is substantially lower than the national median of $48.93 for this profession. This hourly rate allows for flexible work arrangements, which can be particularly beneficial for part-time clinicians working three days a week or those interested in per diem positions. For example, in various school settings, outpatient clinics, or even telepractice environments, SLPs can find opportunities that cater to their availability. The hourly pay range in Elkhart spans from $27.00 for entry-level positions to $59.83 for those in advanced roles or specialized areas of practice. The figures presented reflect authoritative BLS data based on 2025 metrics, projecting into 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.00 | $215.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.07 | $296.58 |
| Median (P50) | $40.06 | $320.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.81 | $430.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.83 | $478.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elkhart
Based on $40.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.06/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elkhart, IN can expect to earn approximately $83,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,068. With a cost-of-living index of 90.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elkhart.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elkhart
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,602.28 | $6,943 | $83,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.37 | $4,166 | $49,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.91 | $2,777 | $33,327 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Elkhart) | $40.06 |
| 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 Elkhart, IN earn a median of $83,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.15% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.90% below the Indiana state average of $87,599.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.06/hr = $49,991/year (purchasing power: $55,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,318/year (purchasing power: $92,243).
CoL index: 90.325 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Elkhart (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Elkhart grew 36.5% from $28.22/hr (2019) to $38.52/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.66/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 Elkhart 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 Elkhart
Earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists is significant when considering a schedule of 24 hours per week, leading to an annual income that might shy away from full-time averages but can still be competitive. Typically, per diem speech-language pathologists in Elkhart might earn between $50-$75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia potentially billing up to $110 per hour in cash practices. Within the community, hourly rates also vary by employer type; positions in school districts usually pay less compared to those in hospital settings or skilled nursing facilities, where higher compensation aligns with greater clinical responsibilities. However, many choose lower-paying roles in exchange for benefits like health insurance, especially in an industry where negotiating hourly rates is vital. To enhance their financial prospects, SLPs can benefit from researching local agency rates and understanding the market dynamics in Elkhart’s diverse settings, from schools to telepractice.
More salary data for Elkhart, IN:
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 Elkhart. 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, 6-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