Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $43.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Grand Island, NE runs $43.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,833 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Island, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $43.14, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This disparity can influence the choices for those seeking part-time roles or per-diem positions in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For a speech-language pathologist working part-time, such as 24 hours a week over three days, the hourly rate provides a stable form of income; however, earning potential varies significantly with entry-level positions starting around $36.98 and top earners reaching $67.13. The data provided is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating that this is the current compensation landscape for speech-language pathologists in Grand Island.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.98 | $295.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Median (P50) | $43.14 | $345.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.60 | $420.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.13 | $537.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $43.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.14/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $89,721 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,762. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,725.40 | $7,477 | $89,721 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.24 | $4,486 | $53,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.16 | $2,991 | $35,888 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Grand Island) | $43.14 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $89,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.85% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $93,159.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.14/hr = $53,833/year (purchasing power: $62,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,721/year (purchasing power: $103,536).
CoL index: 86.657 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Island grew 10.2% from $37.65/hr (2019) to $41.48/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.86/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
When considering part-time positions, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week can expect to make a substantial income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. Flexibility often leads to a practical decision-making process regarding work-life balance, especially if they accept per-diem roles. These positions can offer greater financial opportunities, as per diem speech-language pathologists commonly charge between $50 to $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings may earn between $80 and $110, particularly in cash practices focusing on dysphagia. While school districts predominantly employ SLPs in Grand Island, it’s also essential to consider how the employer type can sway hourly wages. Some professionals might accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, while others may prefer higher pay without insurance. Negotiating the best compensation often means discussing not only the hourly rate but also the complete benefits package, which can differ greatly across various employers in NE.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Island in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Grand Island?
Are speech-language pathologists in Grand Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Grand Island?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Island?
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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 Grand Island. 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