Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $45.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Butte, MT runs $45.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,149 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Butte, Montana, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $45.75, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $48.93. This difference can have significant implications for part-time and per-diem professionals in the field. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, may benefit from structured environments like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or telepractice sessions, where they can earn competitive hourly rates. For entry-level positions, the range starts at about $28.73, while those at the higher end can earn up to $62.18. By analyzing these figures, candidates and employers alike can better contextualize expectations for equitable pay in sectors like educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and private practice.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.73 | $229.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.15 | $297.16 |
| Median (P50) | $45.75 | $365.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.76 | $430.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.18 | $497.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $45.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.75/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $95,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,894. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,829.81 | $7,929 | $95,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.88 | $4,758 | $57,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.92 | $3,172 | $38,060 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Butte) | $45.75 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $95,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $97,890.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.75/hr = $57,090/year (purchasing power: $59,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,150/year (purchasing power: $98,909).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Butte grew 23.7% from $35.56/hr (2019) to $43.99/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.57/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 Butte 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 Butte
Considering the annual earnings of a part-time speech-language pathologist on a 24-hour work week can yield notable differences compared to full-time positions in Butte. Those working per diem typically earn between $50 and $75 per hour, and medical professionals focused on dysphagia may command rates up to $80 to $110 in cash practices. However, telepractice often offers contracts ranging from $40 to $60 an hour depending on the caseload difficulty. Employers vary widely in their pay structures; for instance, districts for educational speech-language pathologists usually pay less than healthcare focused roles. While some SLPs might accept lower hourly rates for roles that include health insurance and benefits, others opt for higher hourly pay without benefits for greater flexibility. When negotiating, it’s advisable for SLPs in Butte to highlight their specialized qualifications, such as ASHA certification and CCC-SLP status, which can bolster their value in the job market.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Butte in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Butte?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Butte?
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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 Butte. 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 Butte 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