Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Hopkinsville, KY: $39.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Hopkinsville, KY runs $39.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Hopkinsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hopkinsville, KY, speech-language pathologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.98, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This difference indicates that entering the field or working part-time in local schools, outpatient clinics, or rehab facilities may yield a more modest income compared to the broader national context. For those looking to work three days a week, or as per-diem workers, this hourly rate may direct their take-home pay and influence their choice of settings ranging from schools to telepractice. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.30 and experienced professionals reaching up to $54.46 per hour, the hourly variation reflects the diverse settings in which these specialists operate, including therapy rooms, hospitals for dysphagia assessments, or private practice consultations.
About the Hopkinsville 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) | $25.30 | $202.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.05 | $248.41 |
| Median (P50) | $39.98 | $319.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.68 | $365.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.46 | $435.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hopkinsville
Based on $39.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.98/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hopkinsville, KY can expect to earn approximately $83,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,981. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hopkinsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hopkinsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,599.37 | $6,931 | $83,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $959.62 | $4,158 | $49,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.75 | $2,772 | $33,267 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Hopkinsville) | $39.98 |
| 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 Hopkinsville, KY earn a median of $83,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.29% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.60% below the Kentucky state average of $85,385.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.98/hr = $49,900/year (purchasing power: $55,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,167/year (purchasing power: $93,132).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Hopkinsville grew 23.7% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $38.45/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.58/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 Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville
The earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in Hopkinsville is significant, especially when considering the trade-offs they face. A 24-hour week would translate to an annual income of around $49,138, as opposed to a full-time schedule that offers higher financial stability. Per-diem roles often command higher hourly rates; for example, professionals working in medical settings, such as dysphagia assessments, might bill anywhere from $80 to $110 per hour, while telepractice opportunities typically offer rates between $40 to $60. Moreover, various employer types—including schools, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities—result in differing compensation structures, which can be crucial for SLPs deciding between job security and higher hourly payments. When negotiating pay, especially in a cost-effective city like Hopkinsville, professionals should weigh the value of benefits, such as health insurance, against potential hourly wage increases available in contract work or agency positions.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Hopkinsville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Hopkinsville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Hopkinsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Hopkinsville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hopkinsville?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Hopkinsville. 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 Hopkinsville 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