Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Dearborn Heights, MI: $43.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Dearborn Heights, MI runs $43.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,568 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Dearborn Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dearborn Heights, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $43.54, significantly below the national hourly median of $48.93. This means that part-time SLPs working three days a week can anticipate around $2,072 for a 24-hour workweek, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible schedules. Per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Dearborn Heights can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $27.05 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $61.67. Common settings for these clinicians include schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and telepractice, all of which influence the hourly rate. The range reflects diverse responsibilities, from conducting bedside evaluations to delivering therapeutic sessions in various settings. Overall, a career as an SLP in Dearborn Heights offers a robust hourly pay structure albeit slightly lower than the national average.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.05 | $216.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Median (P50) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.74 | $397.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.67 | $493.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn Heights
Based on $43.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.54/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $90,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,249. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,741.62 | $7,547 | $90,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,044.97 | $4,528 | $54,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $696.65 | $3,019 | $36,226 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Dearborn Heights) | $43.54 |
| 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 Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $90,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.01% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $90,659.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.54/hr = $54,339/year (purchasing power: $58,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,564/year (purchasing power: $97,172).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dearborn Heights grew 23.7% from $33.85/hr (2019) to $41.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.28/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 Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights
Part-time positions in Dearborn Heights provide flexibility, but they typically result in lower annual earnings compared to full-time roles. For example, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours weekly may take home around $54,000 annually, while full-time positions can yield significantly higher figures. Per-diem SLPs, commonly hired through agencies, tend to earn between $50 and $75 per hour for regular therapy sessions, and those specializing in medical settings like dysphagia may bill upwards of $80 to $110 when working in cash practices. Telepractice opportunities have also surged, offering contracts that typically range from $40 to $60 per hour based on hours and caseload structures. Notably, the hourly rates vary depending on the employer type; school districts generally provide lower hourly wages compared to hospitals and outpatient clinics but may include benefits that can make them appealing. Negotiating for higher pay while weighing the trade-offs of benefits is crucial, especially for SLPs in the diverse and evolving job market of Dearborn Heights, MI.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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