Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Madisonville, KY: $39.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Madisonville, KY runs $39.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,306 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Madisonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Madisonville, Kentucky, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $39.09 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $48.93, reflecting the local economic landscape and cost of living index, which sits at 89.3—well below the national average. For those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate translates to varied earning potential. Therapists working three days a week typically generate a stable income, engaging in settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital dysphagia evaluations, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly pay range from $26.11 for entry-level positions to $48.57 for top earners, SLPs in Madisonville can tailor their roles based on their experience and workplace preferences.
About the Madisonville 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) | $26.11 | $208.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.27 | $250.16 |
| Median (P50) | $39.09 | $312.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.57 | $388.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madisonville
Based on $39.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.09/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madisonville, KY can expect to earn approximately $81,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,908. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madisonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madisonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,563.59 | $6,776 | $81,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $938.16 | $4,065 | $48,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.44 | $2,710 | $32,523 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Madisonville) | $39.09 |
| 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 Madisonville, KY earn a median of $81,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.11% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.70% below the Kentucky state average of $85,315.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.09/hr = $48,784/year (purchasing power: $54,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,307/year (purchasing power: $91,049).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Madisonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Madisonville grew 23.7% from $30.39/hr (2019) to $37.59/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.65/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 Madisonville 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 Madisonville
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $61,200 annually. This is substantially lower than full-time earnings but still represents a viable option for those balancing other commitments. The per-diem and agency scene offers a different dynamic; it’s common for per diem speech-language pathologists to bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs billing upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in private practices. The diversity in employer types, including school districts, hospitals, and telepractice agencies, influences pay rates, which often provide lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating effectively remains crucial, especially given the disparity in pay across settings; discussing value and flexibility can lead to favorable outcomes tailored to an individual’s career goals.
More salary data for Madisonville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Madisonville. 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 Madisonville 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