Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $39.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Iowa City, IA runs $39.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,111 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,264 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Iowa City, Iowa, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $39.47 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This median rate provides a glimpse into the earning potential for part-time SLPs working in various environments, including school therapy rooms, hospital settings, and outpatient clinics. While entry-level positions start at around $31.61, experienced professionals can earn as much as $57.10 per hour, highlighting the salary diversity within different roles and industries. For those who prefer flexible schedules, part-time work of three days a week can offer a viable option, and per-diem positions can provide an appealing alternative for SLPs looking to supplement their income.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.61 | $252.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.80 | $254.40 |
| Median (P50) | $39.47 | $315.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.77 | $366.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.10 | $456.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $39.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.47/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $82,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,370. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,578.98 | $6,842 | $82,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $947.39 | $4,105 | $49,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $631.59 | $2,737 | $32,843 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Iowa City) | $39.47 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $82,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.10% below the Iowa state average of $84,737.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.47/hr = $49,264/year (purchasing power: $53,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,107/year (purchasing power: $89,726).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Iowa City grew 7.7% from $35.24/hr (2019) to $37.96/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.05/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Considering the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists in Iowa City illuminates the varied earning potential within this profession. A per diem SLP commonly bills between $50 and $75 per hour, with those specializing in dysphagia often seeing pay rates rise to $80 to $110 in private cash practices. Telepractice has also surged since 2020, with 1099 contracts offering flexibility and rates between $40 and $60 per hour, dependent on the caseload structure. Employment settings can greatly influence hourly wages, with school districts tending to offer less compensation compared to hospital and skilled nursing facility positions. The trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is a major consideration; some SLPs may choose lower-paying roles with health insurance over higher hourly rates devoid of additional perks. Those negotiating hourly rates should emphasize their qualifications—especially if holding CCC-SLP credentials—and consider the competitive landscape of Iowa City's job market as they assess their worth.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
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 Iowa City. 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