Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $41.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Gardner, KS runs $41.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,471 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, the average speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly rate of $41.24, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This figure is particularly relevant for those involved in part-time, per-diem, or contract work settings, where SLPs might work in diverse environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinical settings, and telepractice sessions. For someone working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a varied income that accommodates different life choices and professional goals. The range of hourly pay spans from entry-level positions at $29.17, typically seen in less specialized roles, to experienced speech-language pathologists earning as much as $54.55. These estimates derive from annual salary data and highlight the flexibility and diversity within the roles that SLPs can undertake in Gardner.
About the Gardner 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) | $29.17 | $233.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.17 | $273.37 |
| Median (P50) | $41.24 | $329.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.86 | $382.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.55 | $436.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $41.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.24/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $85,784 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,491. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,649.70 | $7,149 | $85,784 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $989.82 | $4,289 | $51,471 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.88 | $2,859 | $34,314 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Gardner) | $41.24 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $85,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $92,547.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.24/hr = $51,471/year (purchasing power: $56,623).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,784/year (purchasing power: $94,372).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gardner grew 23.7% from $32.06/hr (2019) to $39.66/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.89/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
When considering a three-day work week, flexibility allows speech-language pathologists in Gardner to balance their schedules, with earnings amounting to approximately $51,298 annually based on the median hourly pay. This contrasts starkly with full-time earnings, revealing how choosing to work part-time affects overall financial stability. Per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Gardner can vary, with many professionals charging between $50 and $75 per hour, and those specializing in medical settings, particularly in dysphagia, often earning between $80 and $110 hourly. Positions vary widely across different employers, including school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice, each influencing pay scales. While some may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits such as health insurance, others seek higher-paying opportunities without traditional employment benefits. Understanding these dynamics allows prospective SLPs to negotiate effectively and plan their careers with a clearer financial outlook in mind.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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