Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Owensboro, KY: $40.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Owensboro, KY runs $40.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,513 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Owensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,705 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist in Owensboro, Kentucky, is projected to be $40.63, which is substantially lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate reflects the typical compensation for part-time and per-diem SLPs working across various settings in the area, including school therapy rooms, hospital dysphagia evaluations, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time work, this translates to a potential income of around $31,000 assuming a schedule of three days a week. The hourly pay ranges from $34.19 at the entry-level to $51.77 for those at the top end of the pay scale, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges present in this field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable benchmark for aspiring clinicians.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.19 | $273.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.33 | $306.65 |
| Median (P50) | $40.63 | $325.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.52 | $404.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.77 | $414.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owensboro
Based on $40.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.63/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owensboro, KY can expect to earn approximately $84,508 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,755. With a cost-of-living index of 88.61 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,625.16 | $7,042 | $84,508 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.09 | $4,225 | $50,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.06 | $2,817 | $33,803 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Owensboro) | $40.63 |
| 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 Owensboro, KY earn a median of $84,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.96% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.00% below the Kentucky state average of $85,366.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.63/hr = $50,705/year (purchasing power: $57,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,508/year (purchasing power: $95,371).
CoL index: 88.61 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Owensboro grew 20.8% from $32.34/hr (2019) to $39.07/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.25/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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
For part-time SLPs in Owensboro, working three days a week can yield annual earnings that differ significantly from full-time positions, often limiting benefits yet offering flexibility. Locum and per-diem speech-language pathologists can find lucrative opportunities that vary widely—with rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour for general practices, and upwards of $80 to $110 for specialized medical roles focused on dysphagia. School districts, while employing the majority of SLPs, may offer lower hourly pay compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, where medical SLPs command higher compensation. The decision between accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits or pursuing higher hourly rates without them is a common dilemma faced by many in this profession. Negotiation for hourly rates can be crucial in Owensboro; professionals should be prepared to discuss their scope of practice and any specialized skills that can justify a higher pay rate.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Owensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Owensboro?
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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 Owensboro. 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