Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kalamazoo, MI: $43.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kalamazoo, MI runs $43.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kalamazoo's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.8, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,378 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) stands at $43.57, noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This means that part-time SLPs working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income, especially if their schedules allow them to capitalize on various practice settings. Whether it's therapy in school environments where push-in or pull-out sessions take place, evaluations for dysphagia in hospital settings, or outpatient clinics focusing on articulation, the hourly compensation reflects the varying demands of the roles. With entry-level positions starting around $32.59 and experienced SLPs at the top tier earning about $55.48 per hour, these figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrate a diverse earning potential in Kalamazoo.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.59 | $260.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.66 | $317.29 |
| Median (P50) | $43.57 | $348.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.30 | $410.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.48 | $443.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalamazoo
Based on $43.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.57/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalamazoo, MI can expect to earn approximately $90,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,286. With a cost-of-living index of 94.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalamazoo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalamazoo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,742.87 | $7,552 | $90,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,045.72 | $4,531 | $54,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.15 | $3,021 | $36,252 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kalamazoo) | $43.57 |
| 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 Kalamazoo, MI earn a median of $90,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.95% lower than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.57/hr = $54,378/year (purchasing power: $57,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,629/year (purchasing power: $95,560).
CoL index: 94.84 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kalamazoo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kalamazoo grew 18.0% from $35.52/hr (2019) to $41.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.31/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 Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo
Exploring the earnings trajectory further, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week at 24 hours totals about $54,000 annually, significantly lower than the potential income of a full-time SLP. For those considering per diem or contract work, the rates can range considerably. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Kalamazoo commonly runs from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs addressing dysphagia may view hourly rates of $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice environments offer unique opportunities as well, with compensation varying from $40 to $60 per hour. It's worth noting that hourly rates differ by employer types—school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices all present unique compensation structures. Additionally, SLPs might face trade-offs regarding health benefits: some opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health insurance, while others may prefer higher rates without benefits. For those entering the field, negotiating effectively based on local market standards can significantly influence their hourly compensation in Kalamazoo.
More salary data for Kalamazoo, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kalamazoo in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kalamazoo?
Are speech-language pathologists in Kalamazoo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Kalamazoo?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kalamazoo?
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 Kalamazoo. 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