Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $43.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kansas City, MO runs $43.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,729 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kansas City, Missouri, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $43.05 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This hourly rate opens various opportunities for part-time professionals and per-diem workers, who can practice in an array of settings including school therapy rooms, hospital environments for bedside dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For those embarking on their careers, entry-level positions can start at $29.69 per hour, while experienced SLPs may earn as much as $59.16 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects both the diversity of job settings in Kansas City and the varying pay scales that come with experience and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.69 | $237.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.56 | $292.50 |
| Median (P50) | $43.05 | $344.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.63 | $413.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.16 | $473.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $43.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.05/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $89,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,662. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.07 | $7,462 | $89,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.24 | $4,477 | $53,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.83 | $2,985 | $35,819 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kansas City) | $43.05 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $89,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% below the Missouri state average of $92,997.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.05/hr = $53,729/year (purchasing power: $58,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,548/year (purchasing power: $96,764).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kansas City grew 15.4% from $35.89/hr (2019) to $41.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.77/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
The earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists working three days per week can translate to a considerable income while allowing for flexibility. For instance, a part-time SLP working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $53,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who might earn over $89,000. Per-diem and agency speech-language pathologists can command higher rates, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs might hit rates as high as $110 per hour in cash practices. The variety in compensation across different employer types in Kansas City—ranging from school districts, which hire about 55% of SLPs, to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities—reflects both demand and the nature of services provided. Some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance; meanwhile, negotiation skills become essential for those seeking positions in this competitive field. With telepractice rising dramatically post-2020, knowing how to structure contracts effectively can enhance earnings and opportunities for current and aspiring SLPs in Kansas City, MO.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kansas City?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Kansas City?
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Related Pages
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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 Kansas City. 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