Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Ankeny, IA: $39.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Ankeny, IA runs $39.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,338 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Ankeny's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For speech-language pathologists in Ankeny, Iowa, the projected hourly rate stands at $39.59 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy indicates a significant difference in potential earnings across the profession. For those considering part-time work—such as a typical 3-day work week—an SLP might expect to earn approximately $30,000 annually, while also providing flexibility to work in various environments. Per-diem positions often provide a range of opportunities, from school therapy sessions to outpatient clinic appointments, where the pay can fluctuate. The entry-level roles may start at $26.01 per hour, with more established professionals potentially earning as much as $55.21 per hour. It’s important to understand that these estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, reflecting the diverse settings where SLPs might find employment.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.01 | $208.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.57 | $252.57 |
| Median (P50) | $39.59 | $316.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.20 | $377.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.21 | $441.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ankeny
Based on $39.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.59/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ankeny, IA can expect to earn approximately $82,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,507. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ankeny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ankeny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,583.56 | $6,862 | $82,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.14 | $4,117 | $49,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.42 | $2,745 | $32,938 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Ankeny) | $39.59 |
| 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 Ankeny, IA earn a median of $82,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.10% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $84,710.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.59/hr = $49,407/year (purchasing power: $54,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,345/year (purchasing power: $91,090).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ankeny grew 23.7% from $30.78/hr (2019) to $38.07/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.17/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 Ankeny 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 Ankeny
For those who are considering a part-time schedule, the earning potential remains significant but differs when compared to full-time work. Working three days a week generally amounts to around 24 hours, leading to annual income less than what full-timers experience. Many per diem speech-language pathologists in Ankeny, who often work with agencies or on a locum basis, can command higher hourly rates—from $50 to $75, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia seeing rates exceeding $80 per hour. These rates reflect the competitive market in hospital settings versus the more stable rates offered in school districts. The balance between hourly wage and benefits can play a crucial role; some may sacrifice higher pay for health insurance and other employment benefits. It's advisable for speech-language pathologists to negotiate effectively, considering the varying pay scales across different employer types in Ankeny, whether in schools, clinics, or telepractice settings.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ankeny in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Ankeny?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Ankeny?
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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 Ankeny. 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 Ankeny 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