Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Garden City, KS: $44.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Garden City, KS runs $44.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,687 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Garden City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Garden City, KS, is projected at $44.08, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This figure is reflective of the area's various employment options, where SLPs, whether working in school therapy rooms, hospital settings for dysphagia evaluations, or outpatient clinics, can find flexible work arrangements. Those on part-time schedules, such as 3 days a week, will earn a consistent income that is advantageous for balancing their commitments. Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Garden City may expect to start around $29.09 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach up to $57.23 per hour, illustrating the potential for career advancement within the field.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.09 | $232.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.16 | $281.27 |
| Median (P50) | $44.08 | $352.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.22 | $409.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.23 | $457.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden City
Based on $44.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.08/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden City, KS can expect to earn approximately $91,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,898. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garden City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,763.25 | $7,641 | $91,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,057.95 | $4,584 | $55,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $705.30 | $3,056 | $36,676 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Garden City) | $44.08 |
| 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 Garden City, KS earn a median of $91,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.90% below the Kansas state average of $92,520.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.08/hr = $55,014/year (purchasing power: $60,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,689/year (purchasing power: $100,868).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Garden City grew 23.7% from $34.27/hr (2019) to $42.39/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.84/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 Garden 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 Garden City
By focusing on part-time and per-diem opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could earn around $52,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with their full-time counterparts. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Garden City often find that their rates vary widely based on the type of setting, with some billing $50-$75 for typical evaluations, and medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia potentially commanding $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. Additionally, the rise of telepractice has created a niche for SLPs who can earn $40-$60 per hour depending on their caseload. Different employer types, such as school districts, hospitals, and private practices, influence hourly rates, with schools generally offering lower pay compared to medical settings. Speech-language pathologists may choose positions that provide health insurance or benefits rather than opting for higher hourly rates without those perks. Negotiating for a favorable hourly rate is essential in evaluating job offers, particularly in an evolving marketplace such as Garden City.
More salary data for Garden City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Garden City in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Garden City?
Are speech-language pathologists in Garden City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Garden City?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Garden City?
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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 Garden 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 Garden 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