Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $44.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in University City, MO runs $44.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,725 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $44.10 in 2026, which is lower than the national average of $48.93 per hour. For those considering part-time positions—perhaps working three days a week—this translates to a reliable income in various therapeutic environments such as school settings, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. With entry-level positions starting around $28.71 per hour and top earners reaching up to $56.77, SLPs have a wide range of opportunities to choose from. The hourly data reflects the medical, educational, and private sectors that employ speech-language pathologists, encompassing various demands from dysphagia evaluations in hospitals to articulation therapy in school settings.
About the University City 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) | $28.71 | $229.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
| Median (P50) | $44.10 | $352.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.94 | $407.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.77 | $454.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $44.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.10/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $91,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,923. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,764.09 | $7,644 | $91,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,058.45 | $4,587 | $55,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $705.63 | $3,058 | $36,693 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (University City) | $44.10 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $91,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.87% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $93,028.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.10/hr = $55,039/year (purchasing power: $61,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,732/year (purchasing power: $102,380).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in University City grew 23.7% from $34.29/hr (2019) to $42.41/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.86/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 University 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 University City
Examining the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in University City reveals how a 24-hour workweek could yield a significantly different take-home income compared to full-time practitioners. While a full-time SLP may secure a robust annual salary through consistent hours, part-time professionals can still find flexible roles that match their lifestyle, albeit with a reduced total income. For per-diem and locum professionals, billing rates can vary widely; many report pay between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia often attracting even higher rates of $80 to $110. Telepractice, particularly, has seen a rise in popularity post-2020, offering hourly pay from $40 to $60 depending on the situation. While some SLPs might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, especially within school districts, others prioritize higher per-hour compensation without benefits. For those negotiating pay, understanding local market conditions and being aware of employer types—such as hospitals or private practice—can prove advantageous.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in University City 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 University 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
Salary data for University City 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