Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Muncie, IN: $40.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Muncie, IN runs $40.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Muncie's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,445 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the typical speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Muncie, Indiana, is projected to be $40.42, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This difference can influence choices for professionals considering part-time roles or per-diem positions within Muncie’s various settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. The hourly wage range for speech-language pathologists in the area extends from $28.18 at the 10th percentile to $57.70 at the 90th percentile, highlighting opportunities for both entry-level clinicians and highly experienced specialists. With a cost of living index of 88.148, professionals might find that while the pay is lower than the national rate, their purchasing power in Muncie is enhanced, potentially making it an attractive option for many in the field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.18 | $225.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.30 | $250.41 |
| Median (P50) | $40.42 | $323.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.53 | $388.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.70 | $461.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muncie
Based on $40.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.42/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muncie, IN can expect to earn approximately $84,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,505. With a cost-of-living index of 88.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muncie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muncie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,616.84 | $7,006 | $84,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $970.10 | $4,204 | $50,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.73 | $2,803 | $33,630 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Muncie) | $40.42 |
| 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 Muncie, IN earn a median of $84,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.38% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% below the Indiana state average of $87,590.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.42/hr = $50,445/year (purchasing power: $57,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,075/year (purchasing power: $95,380).
CoL index: 88.148 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Muncie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Muncie grew 23.7% from $31.42/hr (2019) to $38.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.03/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 Muncie 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 Muncie
Assessing earnings in the context of part-time work shows that a speech-language pathologist working three days a week at 24 hours might take home around $51,328 annually. When comparing this with full-time pay, part-time roles often yield lower income, pushing some professionals toward per-diem positions for more lucrative options. Per-diem speech-language pathologists in Muncie commonly earn between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialists in dysphagia can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Hourly rates also differ by employer type; school districts may offer stable but lower wages compared to medical facilities and private practices. Considering benefits, some choose to accept lower hourly rates for job security and health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay over additional benefits. Successful negotiation for hourly work in Muncie can involve demonstrating skill versatility and familiarity with local therapy needs, affording greater leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Muncie, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Muncie in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Muncie?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Muncie?
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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 Muncie. 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, 4-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