Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $39.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wichita, KS runs $39.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,914 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wichita, Kansas, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist stands at $39.19, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This differential may impact those considering part-time work or per-diem positions typical in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. For professionals working part-time, commitment to just three days a week might generate steady income, while per-diem opportunities, particularly in dysphagia assessments at hospitals or telepractice sessions, are appealing for flexibility. The range spans from $28.06 at the entry level (P10) to a top earning potential of $56.31 (P90), reflecting diverse opportunities across specialties. This data is officially sourced from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating healthy growth potential in the profession.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.06 | $224.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.35 | $274.78 |
| Median (P50) | $39.19 | $313.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.02 | $392.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.31 | $450.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $39.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.19/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $81,523 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,033. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,567.75 | $6,794 | $81,523 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.65 | $4,076 | $48,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.10 | $2,717 | $32,609 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wichita) | $39.19 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $81,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.90% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 11.90% below the Kansas state average of $92,529.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.19/hr = $48,914/year (purchasing power: $54,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,523/year (purchasing power: $91,655).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wichita grew 17.6% from $32.05/hr (2019) to $37.69/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.76/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
Part-time speech-language pathologists earning $39.19 per hour in Wichita can expect to take home about $61,547 annually when working 24 hours a week. Comparatively, full-time SLPs would have a greater income but may face a different set of trade-offs, such as benefits versus hourly wages. Per-diem roles often yield higher hourly rates, with therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, especially in medical settings where cash practices can reach $80-$110. The compensation varies greatly depending on the employer type; for instance, school districts might offer lower rates compared to private practices or telehealth agencies. This variability can lead SLPs to make choices that prioritize work-life balance over maximum salary. Negotiating hourly pay can be beneficial; be ready to discuss the specific skills you bring, and highlight your ability to adapt to various treatment environments to justify your desired rate.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wichita in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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