Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $40.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Frankfort, KY runs $40.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Frankfort, KY, is projected to be $40.19, which falls significantly below the national median of $48.93 per hour. This disparity indicates a unique market dynamic for part-time and per-diem SLPs working within various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice sessions. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week translates to a manageable schedule while still earning an hourly wage that ranges from $25.78 for entry-level positions to $55.26 for top earners in the area. The figures represent a level of economic challenge, suggesting that professionals might need to explore multiple roles or negotiate their pay accordingly to mitigate the cost of living in Frankfort, which has a lower index compared to the national average.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.78 | $206.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.48 | $251.82 |
| Median (P50) | $40.19 | $321.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.11 | $368.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.26 | $442.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $40.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.19/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $83,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,231. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,607.69 | $6,967 | $83,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $964.61 | $4,180 | $50,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.07 | $2,787 | $33,440 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Frankfort) | $40.19 |
| 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 Frankfort, KY earn a median of $83,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.86% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $85,308.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.19/hr = $50,160/year (purchasing power: $56,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,600/year (purchasing power: $93,617).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Frankfort grew 23.7% from $31.25/hr (2019) to $38.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.80/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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort
For speech-language pathologists contemplating part-time or per-diem opportunities, there are several avenues for enhancing their earnings in Frankfort. Working 24 hours a week at the projected hourly rate can yield a significant annual income, but it may still fall short compared to full-time positions. Per-diem speech-language pathologists typically command $50-$75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings, particularly dysphagia evaluations, can earn anywhere from $80-$110 per hour when working on a cash basis. This flexibility is essential in an evolving healthcare climate that increasingly values telepractice options; SLPs can secure contracts that yield $40-$60 per hour depending on their client caseload. Each employment sector, whether in public schools or private practice, presents variations in hourly compensation and benefits, where some SLPs might trade off higher pay for the stability of health insurance. For those negotiating in this market, understanding the regional trends and being prepared to discuss workload balance can empower professionals to achieve an optimal compensation package.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Frankfort in 2026?
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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 Frankfort. 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 Frankfort 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