Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $39.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Burlington, IA runs $39.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,353 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,810 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is $39.11, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This local rate reflects the economic conditions and demand for SLP services in the area. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to approximately $626 weekly, suitable for those balancing other responsibilities or pursuing experience during their clinical fellowship year. The hourly pay range in Burlington varies considerably, from $26.49 for entry-level positions to $50.62 for those at the top end of the spectrum. The estimated hourly rates derived from annual data suggest that the potential earnings in diverse settings—including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice—could influence a SLP's choice of employment.
About the Burlington 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) | $26.49 | $211.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.68 | $253.40 |
| Median (P50) | $39.11 | $312.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.69 | $357.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.62 | $404.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $39.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.11/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $81,350 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,933. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,564.43 | $6,779 | $81,350 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $938.66 | $4,068 | $48,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.77 | $2,712 | $32,540 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Burlington) | $39.11 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $81,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.07% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $84,743.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.11/hr = $48,810/year (purchasing power: $53,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,350/year (purchasing power: $89,989).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Burlington grew 23.7% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $37.61/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.67/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
When considering part-time employment, a speech-language pathologist in Burlington working 24 hours weekly would earn around $32,553 per year compared to a full-time position bringing in $81,353. For SLPs exploring per-diem opportunities, pay rates can vary greatly. Some may earn between $50-$75 per hour, while medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command rates between $80-$110 in cash-based practices. Teletherapy contracts typically pay $40-$60 per hour, with compensation shaped by caseload and client needs. Importantly, hourly rates can differ greatly across various employer types in Burlington—school districts generally offer consistent pay but may lack benefits, whereas hospitals might provide higher hourly rates with full-time benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for higher pay while weighing the benefits of full-time positions is essential for those in the field, especially as the market for speech-language services evolves.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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