Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $38.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Waukee, IA runs $38.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,060 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, a speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly rate of $38.98, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a take-home pay that may impact lifestyle choices and benefits access. Settings for these practitioners vary widely, from school therapy rooms where they engage students either through push-in or pull-out approaches, to outpatient clinics that focus on articulation. The hourly range spans from $26.15 for entry-level roles up to $48.83 for experienced individuals. This structured compensation reflects the estimated annual salaries transformed into an hourly context, allowing prospective speech-language pathologists to assess their earning potential relative to local and national standards.
About the Waukee 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) | $26.15 | $209.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.38 | $251.07 |
| Median (P50) | $38.98 | $311.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.83 | $390.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $38.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.98/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $81,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,771. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,559.02 | $6,756 | $81,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.41 | $4,053 | $48,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.61 | $2,702 | $32,428 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Waukee) | $38.98 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $81,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.35% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $84,702.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.98/hr = $48,641/year (purchasing power: $53,807).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,069/year (purchasing power: $89,678).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Waukee grew 23.7% from $30.30/hr (2019) to $37.48/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.53/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
For speech-language pathologists who are considering part-time work, the financial implications can be significant. Working 24 hours a week may yield an annual income that falls short compared to a full-time position, thereby influencing the decision to pursue additional per-diem opportunities. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Waukee can exceed traditional rates, with professionals billing anywhere from $50-$75 an hour, particularly in medical settings where specialized skills are in demand. Telepractice jobs also present options, where contracts can pay between $40 and $60 per hour based on caseload arrangements. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types; schools may offer less for stability, whereas medical roles in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities tend to command higher wages. It’s important for clinicians to consider the benefits trade-offs, where accepting lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance or retirement contributions often becomes a vital decision-making factor. When negotiating, speech-language pathologists should be prepared to articulate their unique skill set and highlights of their experience to maximize their compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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