Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $43.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kansas City, KS runs $43.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,079 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kansas City, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is projected to be $43.33 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This rate provides a significant foundation for both part-time and per-diem professionals. For example, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week may find this hourly wage attractive across various settings, including therapy rooms in schools, outpatient clinics focusing on articulation, and assessment environments for dysphagia in hospitals. The hourly pay range spans from $26.18 for entry-level positions to $59.52 for the highest earners, illustrating a broad spectrum of compensation based on experience, setting, and role specialization. Remember, these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field that can attract different types of specialists.
About the Kansas 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) | $26.18 | $209.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.91 | $263.30 |
| Median (P50) | $43.33 | $346.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.79 | $406.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.52 | $476.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $43.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.33/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $90,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,999. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,733.31 | $7,511 | $90,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,039.98 | $4,507 | $54,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $693.32 | $3,004 | $36,053 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kansas City) | $43.33 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $90,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.60% below the Kansas state average of $92,532.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.33/hr = $54,079/year (purchasing power: $59,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,132/year (purchasing power: $99,155).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kansas City grew 23.7% from $33.69/hr (2019) to $41.67/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.06/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
Shifting focus to part-time options, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week may take home around $53,600 annually, which presents a viable choice for many opting for work-life balance. Additionally, per-diem positions—often seen in healthcare settings—allow for more financial flexibility, with many billing rates between $50 and $75 per hour, and even more for medical speech-language pathologists involved in dysphagia treatment, who can command rates as high as $80-$110 in cash practices. Different employer types also influence hourly earnings; school districts, which employ nearly 55% of SLPs in the Kansas City area, often offer lower rates compared to hospitals and private practices. Many speech-language pathologists accept lower hourly rates from school districts due to the benefits of steady employment and health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits from agencies or during telepractice sessions. When negotiating positions, factors like workload, flexible scheduling, and potential caseloads are critical considerations for securing the best speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Kansas City.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kansas City?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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