Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $44.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kirkwood, MO runs $44.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,364 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, MO, speech-language pathologists can expect a median hourly pay of $44.36 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This rate provides a competitive wage for SLPs working in various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. For part-time providers working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income potential, especially for those in diverse environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals conducting dysphagia evaluations, or virtual sessions. The hourly rate spectrum in Kirkwood ranges from $29.38 at the entry-level to $59.34 for top earners, offering a starting point for many seeking flexibility in their careers. Those interested in per-diem work often find this model suits their needs, as it allows for a dynamic work schedule while capitalizing on the hourly compensation.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.38 | $235.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.42 | $283.35 |
| Median (P50) | $44.36 | $354.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.55 | $412.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.34 | $474.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $44.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.36/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $92,273 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,235. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,774.49 | $7,689 | $92,273 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,064.69 | $4,614 | $55,364 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.79 | $3,076 | $36,909 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kirkwood) | $44.36 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $92,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $93,018.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.36/hr = $55,364/year (purchasing power: $61,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,273/year (purchasing power: $102,984).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kirkwood grew 23.7% from $34.49/hr (2019) to $42.66/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.13/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
Exploring the hourly earning potential reveals distinct differences for speech-language pathologists in Kirkwood. A part-time SLP working just 24 hours a week may take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart, reflecting the choice between flexibility and steady income. Additionally, per diem speech-language pathologists typically bill between $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. This variability in pay highlights the contrast between various employer structures, such as school districts—which employ a large percentage of SLPs—and the more lucrative offerings of hospital or private practice settings. Furthermore, many SLPs weigh the benefits of stable employment with health insurance against higher hourly rates in freelance or contract positions. Negotiating pay can be strategic; emphasizing unique skills and specialized certifications—such as CCC-SLPs—may bolster an SLP's position when discussing compensation within Kirkwood's market.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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