Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $40.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Portage, IN runs $40.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,757 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a speech-language pathologist in Portage, Indiana, can expect a median hourly rate of $40.67. This figure falls notably below the national hourly median of $48.93, suggesting some local economic factors at play. For part-time and per-diem professionals, this hourly wage equates to roughly $32,533 annually when working three days a week, which highlights the financial implications for those in this field. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in Portage stretches from $27.27 at the lower end to $54.70 at the upper end, indicating that entry-level positions might yield a more modest income compared to roles demanding greater expertise or specialty experience. Therapeutic settings in schools, clinics, or hospitals typically dictate these pay variations, as they often reflect the complexity and demand for services like dysphagia evaluations or teletherapy.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.27 | $218.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.81 |
| Median (P50) | $40.67 | $325.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.57 | $380.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.70 | $437.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $40.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.67/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $84,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,805. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,626.82 | $7,050 | $84,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.09 | $4,230 | $50,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.73 | $2,820 | $33,838 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Portage) | $40.67 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $84,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $87,564.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.67/hr = $50,757/year (purchasing power: $55,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,595/year (purchasing power: $92,656).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Portage grew 23.7% from $31.62/hr (2019) to $39.11/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.29/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 Portage 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 Portage
Assessing part-time opportunities further reveals an interesting dynamic for speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Portage. When considering a 24-hour workweek, professionals can earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts and may find it challenging to meet financial needs without additional income sources. Often, per diem speech-language pathologists can capitalize on higher pay rates, frequently billing anywhere between $50 and $75 per hour. Specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia might command even higher rates, sometimes reaching $80-$110 in cash practice situations. Hourly rates also vary depending on the employer; for example, those employed in school districts might experience different compensation compared to hospital or outpatient service providers. While some may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others might prefer the stability and perks, like health insurance or retirement plans, that come with lower hourly wages. Understanding these nuances is vital for effective negotiation in Portage’s job market, especially for speech-language pathologists looking to secure the best possible arrangements for their careers.
More salary data for Portage, 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 Portage. 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 Portage 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