Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $41.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Liberal, KS runs $41.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the projected hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $41.48, which notably trails behind the national hourly median of $48.93. This disparity in pay reflects the local economic context and can significantly impact professionals working part-time or in per-diem positions. For instance, SLPs who work three days a week might earn around $39,000 annually, depending on the frequency of their hours and specific work settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, or hospital evaluations. The hourly range for this occupation runs from $29.55 for entry-level roles to $55.31 for those at the top of the field, which is derived from estimated annual salaries. With local demand across various environments—from school therapy rooms and outpatient clinics to telepractice options—the hourly rates present diverse opportunities for both full-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists in Liberal.
About the Liberal 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) | $29.55 | $236.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.66 | $277.28 |
| Median (P50) | $41.48 | $331.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.99 | $367.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.31 | $442.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $41.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.48/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $86,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,778. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.26 | $7,190 | $86,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.56 | $4,314 | $51,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.71 | $2,876 | $34,513 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Liberal) | $41.48 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $86,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $92,481.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.48/hr = $51,769/year (purchasing power: $56,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,282/year (purchasing power: $94,919).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Liberal grew 23.7% from $32.25/hr (2019) to $39.89/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.14/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
For those considering part-time work as a speech-language pathologist, earning potential can vary significantly depending on the chosen employment setting. A part-time SLP working 24 hours per week could take home about $39,000 annually, which is markedly less than a full-time equivalent. Conversely, per-diem or agency speech-language pathologists often bill at higher hourly rates, ranging from $50 to $75, especially in medical settings focused on dysphagia, where rates can soar up to $110 per hour. The variations in hourly rates across employers in Liberal—ranging from school districts to skilled nursing facilities—highlight the diverse pay scales within the field. Additionally, while some SLPs may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating for better pay can be advantageous, especially when demonstrating specialized skills or experience to potential employers.
More salary data for Liberal, 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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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