Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $43.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kearney, NE runs $43.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,807 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Professionals in Kearney, Nebraska, working as speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $43.11, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly pay reflects the typical settings where SLPs operate, such as school therapy rooms, hospital bedsides for dysphagia evaluations, outpatient pediatric clinics, and telepractice sessions. For part-time workers, like those employed three days a week, this translates into a stable income, while per-diem speech-language pathologists can adjust their schedules based on demand, often securing pay between $29.81 and $57.84 per hour. The ranges provide insight into the earning potential, with entry-level SLPs starting at around $29.81 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $57.84, illustrating a significant disparity within the profession based on experience and specific work environments.
About the Kearney 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) | $29.81 | $238.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.49 | $283.93 |
| Median (P50) | $43.11 | $344.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.21 | $401.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.84 | $462.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $43.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.11/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $89,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,737. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,724.57 | $7,473 | $89,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,034.74 | $4,484 | $53,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $689.83 | $2,989 | $35,871 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kearney) | $43.11 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $89,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $93,122.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.11/hr = $53,807/year (purchasing power: $58,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,678/year (purchasing power: $98,008).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kearney grew 23.7% from $33.52/hr (2019) to $41.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.83/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Evaluating part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist in Kearney working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income around $53,600 if maintaining the median hourly rate. In contrast, full-time earnings can surpass $89,000, highlighting a stark difference. For those in per-diem roles, billing typically fluctuates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs addressing dysphagia issues often commanding rates between $80 and $110 per hour. Hourly compensation can vary significantly across employer types; SLPs in school districts usually earn less compared to those in medical settings like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. This variation prompts some professionals to consider benefits offered by full-time positions as a trade-off for lower hourly wages. SLPs seeking to negotiate better pay should emphasize their qualifications and the growing demand in telepractice, which saw a fourfold increase post-2020, making a compelling case for higher rates in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kearney?
Are speech-language pathologists in Kearney paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Kearney?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kearney?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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