Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $41.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Columbus, NE runs $41.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in 2026 stands at $41.80. This is notably lower than the national median of $48.93, reflecting regional economic conditions and cost of living factors, particularly with Columbus's cost of living index at 91.5. For those considering part-time positions, particularly those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an annual income that may support a comfortable lifestyle but could limit options for additional financial security. The hourly wage range for SLPs in this area spans from $30.05 for entry-level positions to as much as $55.74 for top earners, illustrating the various pathways within the field — whether in educational settings, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or through telepractice.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.05 | $240.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.99 | $279.94 |
| Median (P50) | $41.80 | $334.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.47 | $371.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.74 | $445.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $41.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.80/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $86,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,165. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.16 | $7,246 | $86,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.30 | $4,348 | $52,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $668.86 | $2,898 | $34,781 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Columbus) | $41.80 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $86,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $93,103.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.80/hr = $52,171/year (purchasing power: $57,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,952/year (purchasing power: $95,030).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Columbus grew 23.7% from $32.50/hr (2019) to $40.20/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.47/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When evaluating earnings potential, part-time speech-language pathologists in Columbus working just 24 hours per week can expect to bring in around $51,114 annually. This figure contrasts starkly with full-time professionals, who often enjoy broader benefits but may face higher demands. Additionally, per diem speech-language pathologists often command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour in cash practices. Variations in hourly rates can also arise depending on employer type; for example, school districts may offer lower pay but provide benefits like health insurance, while higher pay in hospitals and outpatient clinics could come with fewer job security guarantees. For those negotiating hourly rates in Columbus, it’s essential to consider the balance between pay and benefits, as well as the growing telepractice opportunities that have surged since 2020.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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