Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $32.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Ruston, LA runs $32.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,997 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is projected to be $32.85 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93, highlighting regional salary disparities within the field. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly rate translates into realistic earnings potential across various environments such as schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings. Entry-level positions may start around $22.48, while experienced professionals can earn up to $42.62 per hour. The typical SLP in Ruston may work in therapy rooms in educational settings, conduct dysphagia evaluations at hospital bedsides, or provide services in rehabilitation gyms, demonstrating a wide range of job duties that contribute to the varied hourly earnings.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.48 | $179.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.67 | $213.39 |
| Median (P50) | $32.85 | $262.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.60 | $300.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $32.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.85/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $68,329 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,421. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,314.02 | $5,694 | $68,329 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.41 | $3,416 | $40,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.61 | $2,278 | $27,332 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Ruston) | $32.85 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $68,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.85% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $71,039.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.85/hr = $40,997/year (purchasing power: $45,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,329/year (purchasing power: $75,669).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ruston grew 23.7% from $25.54/hr (2019) to $31.59/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.16/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
For those considering part-time employment, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to earn around $40,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The per-diem model offers a different financial landscape, with many SLPs billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while medical specialists focusing on dysphagia may see hourly rates ranging from $80 to $110 in cash practices. Positions in telepractice generally yield between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on caseload complexity. In Ruston, hourly pay varies notably across sectors—in schools, outpatient pediatric clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice agencies, influencing potential negotiating strategies. SLPs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others might prioritize higher compensation without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is vital for effectively negotiating salary and ensuring an equitable return for services rendered in this essential field.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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