Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $47.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $47.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,959 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $47.24, which slightly lags behind the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate indicates relatively competitive pay for part-time professionals working three days a week or per-diem speech-language pathologists who often find themselves in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital inpatient rehab, or outpatient clinics. Newer clinicians might start at around $31.48 per hour, while the top earners can make upwards of $53.66. The figures here are based on reliable estimates from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to reflect the market in 2026, capturing the full spectrum of part-time and full-time earning potential in a rapidly evolving field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.48 | $251.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.78 | $318.21 |
| Median (P50) | $47.24 | $377.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.11 | $400.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.66 | $429.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $47.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.24/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $98,265 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,691. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,889.71 | $8,189 | $98,265 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,133.82 | $4,913 | $58,959 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $755.88 | $3,275 | $39,306 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Grand Rapids) | $47.24 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $98,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.45% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 8.40% above the Michigan state average of $90,646.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.24/hr = $58,959/year (purchasing power: $61,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,265/year (purchasing power: $102,845).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Rapids grew 27.0% from $35.76/hr (2019) to $45.43/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.13/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
For those interested in part-time work as a speech-language pathologist, earning potential can vary significantly; a three-day work week, totaling 24 hours, translates to roughly $55,800 annually, markedly lower than a full-time salary. Per diem opportunities typically see SLPs charging between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially reaching $80 to $110 per hour in private practices. Schools generally offer stable positions with lower hourly rates compared to acute care and outpatient clinics where specialized skills are highly demanded. Professionals often face a decision between lower hourly wages with the safety of benefits provided by schools and a higher rate with no health coverage in private settings. Negotiating the best terms is key; aspiring speech-language pathologists in Grand Rapids should confidently explore their worth while staying aware of local market trends and specific employer needs.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Grand Rapids?
Are speech-language pathologists in Grand Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Grand Rapids?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Rapids?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Grand Rapids. 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