Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $43.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lexington, KY runs $43.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,572 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lexington, Kentucky, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $43.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This pay scale influences various working arrangements, especially for part-time and per-diem professionals. Part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week typically earn a stable income while enjoying flexible schedules that can accommodate school settings, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or telepractice environments. Entry-level practitioners might see hourly rates starting at $32.78, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $55.97, making the field attractive for those pursuing diverse work settings—ranging from school therapy rooms to telepractice platforms. This official BLS data gives a comprehensive overview of the earning potential for SLPs in Lexington.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.78 | $262.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.71 | $301.65 |
| Median (P50) | $43.73 | $349.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.61 | $412.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.97 | $447.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $43.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.73/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $90,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,473. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,749.11 | $7,579 | $90,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.47 | $4,548 | $54,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.64 | $3,032 | $36,382 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lexington) | $43.73 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $90,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.63% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.60% above the Kentucky state average of $85,328.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.73/hr = $54,572/year (purchasing power: $58,750).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,954/year (purchasing power: $97,917).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lexington grew 27.3% from $33.03/hr (2019) to $42.05/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.47/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
When examining the earning dynamics for those in this profession, part-time speech-language pathologists working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $51,000 annually. This figure shows a stark contrast to full-time salaries and demonstrates the viability of flexible work arrangements. The per diem market offers enticing opportunities as well, with SLPs commonly billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical practitioners focusing on dysphagia can earn from $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Hourly rates differ significantly based on the type of employer, with those in school districts and outpatient clinics earning considerably less than their counterparts in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Many speech-language pathologists face a trade-off: opting for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating pay in Lexington, understanding the prevailing compensation levels and being prepared to advocate for oneself can lead to favorable outcomes in various employment settings.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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