Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $38.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Murray, KY runs $38.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,823 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist in Murray, KY is projected to be $38.37. This rate is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93, indicating that local practitioners may find themselves earning less than their peers in other regions. For those working part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days per week, the hourly pay translates into a solid but modest income relative to national standards. Per-diem opportunities also present a diverse range of earnings, with entry-level positions starting around $27.69 and experienced professionals reaching up to $50.05 per hour. Various practice settings—like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice—afford different market rates, with specific environments such as schools historically offering more stability but lower hourly compensation compared to medical settings.
About the Murray 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) | $27.69 | $221.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.20 | $257.56 |
| Median (P50) | $38.37 | $306.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.09 | $352.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.05 | $400.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $38.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.37/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $79,814 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,047. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,534.89 | $6,651 | $79,814 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $920.94 | $3,991 | $47,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.96 | $2,660 | $31,926 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Murray) | $38.37 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $79,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.57% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $85,372.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.37/hr = $47,889/year (purchasing power: $53,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,814/year (purchasing power: $89,378).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Murray grew 23.7% from $29.83/hr (2019) to $36.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.90/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 Murray 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 Murray
Evaluating the financial implications for speech-language pathologists in Murray requires an understanding of part-time and per-diem dynamics. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $46,374 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time salary, yet it offers flexibility that some may prefer. On the other hand, per-diem speech-language pathologists often negotiate their pay based on demand and location—billing rates can vary from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized medical roles, particularly in dysphagia rehabilitation, can command fees as high as $110 per hour in cash practices. Additionally, telepractice contracts typically offer hourly rates between $40 and $60, depending on the caseload. Understanding the trade-offs in benefits is crucial here; while lower hourly wages may come with health insurance and retirement plans, higher per-hour rates often lack such perks. Practical negotiation strategies for Murray’s SLPs include emphasizing unique skills, considering local demand trends, and assessing the comparative benefits of different employment types to secure equitable compensation.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Murray 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 Murray. 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 Murray 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