Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $42.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Des Moines, IA runs $42.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,457 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the 2026 projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $42.03, which falls significantly below the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate offers various possibilities for professionals, particularly those in part-time roles or per-diem positions often found within school therapy rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and telepractice environments. The hourly range is broad, starting at $32.48 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $61.67 for experienced specialists, highlighting the potential for earnings growth as SLPs advance in their careers. According to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, the significant difference between local and national pay reflects the unique market conditions in Des Moines and Iowa as a whole.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.48 | $259.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.51 | $292.09 |
| Median (P50) | $42.03 | $336.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.55 | $404.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.67 | $493.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $42.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.03/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $87,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,439. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,681.31 | $7,286 | $87,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.79 | $4,371 | $52,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.52 | $2,914 | $34,971 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Des Moines) | $42.03 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $87,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.09% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.20% above the Iowa state average of $84,724.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.03/hr = $52,457/year (purchasing power: $57,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,428/year (purchasing power: $95,340).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+0.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Des Moines grew -7.5% from $43.70/hr (2019) to $40.42/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.71/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in Des Moines, a professional working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can earn around $51,700 annually. In contrast, full-time SLPs enjoy a more stable income. Per-diem arrangements can also be lucrative; many per diem speech-language pathologists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, and those specializing in medical settings, particularly for dysphagia assessments, may earn even more, averaging between $80 and $110 per hour. Different employer types influence hourly compensation; SLPs in school districts typically earn less than those in medical facilities or private practice, where higher rates are common. This trade-off can be significant—while some SLPs opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits of healthcare insurance, others may prefer the flexibility of agency work that usually compensates at a higher rate but doesn’t provide health benefits. It's essential for clinicians, especially new graduates and those completing their CFY, to negotiate effectively and understand what compensation packages work best for their lifestyle and career goals.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Des Moines?
Are speech-language pathologists in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Des Moines?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. 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, 7-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