Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Mason City, IA: $38.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Mason City, IA runs $38.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Mason City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,135 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Mason City, Iowa, a speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly rate of $38.57, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This difference highlights the variations in pay across different regions, providing context for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings. For those working three days a week, typical environments include therapy rooms in schools, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice sessions. The hourly pay ranges from $25.76 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $50.49 for top earners (90th percentile), reflecting the diverse cases and responsibilities that these professionals manage. These rates, derived from annual salary estimates, underscore the importance of understanding the local market for speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Mason City.
About the Mason City 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) | $25.76 | $206.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.96 | $247.66 |
| Median (P50) | $38.57 | $308.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.14 | $353.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.49 | $403.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mason City
Based on $38.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.57/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mason City, IA can expect to earn approximately $80,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,284. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mason City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mason City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,542.80 | $6,685 | $80,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.68 | $4,011 | $48,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.12 | $2,674 | $32,090 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Mason City) | $38.57 |
| 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 Mason City, IA earn a median of $80,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.18% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $84,704.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.57/hr = $48,135/year (purchasing power: $53,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,225/year (purchasing power: $88,745).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Mason City grew 23.7% from $29.98/hr (2019) to $37.09/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.11/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 Mason 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 Mason City
Part-time speech-language pathologists who work 24 hours weekly may earn about $48,000 annually, a fraction of what full-time colleagues might receive. The per diem model offers different earning potential, with seasoned professionals billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, especially in settings focused on dysphagia where rates may rise to between $80 and $110 per hour for cash-based practices. Different employer types in Mason City influence pay rates, as schools, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and private practices offer varying compensation structures. For instance, school therapists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without a benefits package. Negotiation tips for speech-language pathologists in this market include emphasizing unique skills and experience during discussions about compensation, particularly for telepractice and medical SLP positions.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Mason City in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Mason City?
Are speech-language pathologists in Mason City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Mason City?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Mason City?
Related Pages
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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 Mason 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
Salary data for Mason City 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