Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $41.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in West Des Moines, IA runs $41.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,305 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,782 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, IA, the expected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is set at $41.49 in 2026, a figure that falls below the national hourly median of $48.93. This rate reflects various factors, including the region's cost of living, which is lower than the national average. For those working part-time—about three days a week—this can translate into considerable earnings when considering typical work environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly wage range for speech-language pathologists in West Des Moines stretches from $27.62 for entry-level positions to $56.81 for experienced professionals. Such variation is an important consideration for new graduates and seasoned clinicians alike, especially when contemplating job opportunities.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $27.62 | $220.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.46 | $259.64 |
| Median (P50) | $41.49 | $331.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.84 | $390.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.81 | $454.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $41.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.49/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $86,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,790. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.68 | $7,192 | $86,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.81 | $4,315 | $51,782 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.87 | $2,877 | $34,521 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (West Des Moines) | $41.49 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $86,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.20% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.90% above the Iowa state average of $84,696.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.49/hr = $51,782/year (purchasing power: $57,281).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,303/year (purchasing power: $95,468).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in West Des Moines grew 23.7% from $32.26/hr (2019) to $39.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.15/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 West 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 West Des Moines
When looking at earning potential, a part-time speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week would realize a take-home annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem employment, often yielding higher pay, sees rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs in dysphagia even commanding between $80 and $110 per hour in some cash-based practices. The variety in pay rates is largely attributed to workplace settings: school systems tend to offer lower hourly rates, whereas acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice agencies may provide more substantial compensation. Additionally, health benefits may influence earning choices; some speech-language pathologists might opt for a lower hourly rate with comprehensive benefits. For those assessing job opportunities in West Des Moines, negotiating based on the specific employer type and considering unique work demands can lead to better pay rates tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in West Des Moines?
Are speech-language pathologists in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in West Des Moines?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in West 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 West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines 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