Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $40.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Independence, KY runs $40.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,796 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.70, which falls noticeably below the national median of $48.93. For professionals working part-time, such as those within school settings or conducting outpatient therapies, this translates to about $32,560 annually if they maintain a three-day work week at 24 hours. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $26.98 and experienced clinicians reaching up to $54.47 per hour. These figures are derived from projected salary estimates for 2026 and indicate that opportunities in local schools and clinical settings are indicative of a competitive yet adjusted pay scale reflective of the area's cost of living index of 89.3.
About the Independence 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) | $26.98 | $215.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.52 | $260.14 |
| Median (P50) | $40.70 | $325.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.32 | $378.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.47 | $435.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $40.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.70/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $84,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,842. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,628.07 | $7,055 | $84,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.84 | $4,233 | $50,796 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.23 | $2,822 | $33,864 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Independence) | $40.70 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $84,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.81% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $85,351.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.70/hr = $50,796/year (purchasing power: $56,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,660/year (purchasing power: $94,803).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Independence grew 23.7% from $31.64/hr (2019) to $39.14/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.33/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 Independence 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 Independence
On the subject of earnings potential, part-time speech-language pathologists can expect to see a marked difference in yearly take-home compared to full-time employees, primarily depending on their chosen placement. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Independence generally charge between $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized roles in medical settings, particularly for dysphagia, commanding hourly rates as high as $80 to $110. Those venturing into telepractice work may find hourly contracts vary from $40 to $60 depending on caseload. The disparity in hourly wages can also be attributed to employer types, where school districts, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities present varied financial offerings. Ultimately, many SLPs face a choice between lower hourly rates with substantial benefits or higher pay with reduced perks, and negotiation strategies can play a critical role in securing the best arrangement for one's circumstances.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Independence?
Are speech-language pathologists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Independence?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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