Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Olathe, KS: $44.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Olathe, KS runs $44.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Olathe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Olathe, Kansas, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $44.63, notably lower than the national median of $48.93. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this rate translates into substantial earnings potential while allowing for flexibility, making the role appealing for current CFY clinicians. Typical settings include school therapy rooms, hospital bedside dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinic articulation rooms, and increasingly telepractice sessions. The hourly rates for these professionals range from $29.57 for entry-level positions to about $63.03 for those at the top end of the spectrum, underscoring the wide salary variance in the job market and the impact of experience and location on overall earning potential.
About the Olathe 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) | $29.57 | $236.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.87 | $286.93 |
| Median (P50) | $44.63 | $357.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.62 | $412.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.03 | $504.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olathe
Based on $44.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.63/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olathe, KS can expect to earn approximately $92,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,559. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olathe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olathe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,785.30 | $7,736 | $92,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,071.18 | $4,642 | $55,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $714.12 | $3,095 | $37,134 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Olathe) | $44.63 |
| 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 Olathe, KS earn a median of $92,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.30% above the Kansas state average of $92,552.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.63/hr = $55,701/year (purchasing power: $61,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,836/year (purchasing power: $102,129).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Olathe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Olathe grew 23.7% from $34.70/hr (2019) to $42.92/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.41/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 Olathe 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 Olathe
Considering the part-time aspect further, a speech-language pathologist who works 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $55,815 annually, depending on specific contract arrangements. Per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Olathe can be quite lucrative as well, generally ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia often fetching $80 to $110 an hour in cash practices. The differences in hourly rates among various employer types are noteworthy; SLPs in school districts may earn less due to fixed budget constraints compared to their counterparts in skilled nursing facilities or private practices. For those considering per-diem work, it's essential to balance higher hourly rates against the absence of benefits typically found in full-time positions. Practical negotiation tips include knowing the going rates and being willing to advocate for oneself based on the unique skill set one brings to Olathe's diverse therapy needs.
More salary data for Olathe, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Olathe in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Olathe?
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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 Olathe. 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 Olathe 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