Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $38.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Bismarck, ND runs $38.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,902 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bismarck, North Dakota, speech-language pathologists receive a median hourly pay of $38.38, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This difference may influence both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital evaluation units, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. With an hourly range extending from $30.76 for entry-level positions to $51.95 for the highest earners, the wide scope allows for diverse job opportunities across the city. According to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures illustrate the current compensation landscape for speech-language pathologists in Bismarck.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.76 | $246.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.81 | $246.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.38 | $307.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.70 | $333.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.95 | $415.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $38.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.38/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $79,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,059. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,535.31 | $6,653 | $79,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $921.19 | $3,992 | $47,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.12 | $2,661 | $31,934 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Bismarck) | $38.38 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $79,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.56% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 14.70% below the North Dakota state average of $93,591.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.38/hr = $47,902/year (purchasing power: $52,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,836/year (purchasing power: $87,709).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bismarck grew 12.9% from $32.68/hr (2019) to $36.91/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.91/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time work in Bismarck reveals that a speech-language pathologist working three days a week—about 24 hours—earns considerably less than those who work full-time. Typically, a part-time SLP might bring home around $47,200 annually, far from the full-time equivalent. For those considering per-diem opportunities, the reality could be more lucrative; many per-diem speech-language pathologists in Bismarck charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning as much as $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Hourly rates can vary between different employer types, whether in educational settings, hospitals, or private practices, and speech-language pathologists often accept lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Bismarck, it is beneficial to emphasize unique skill sets or specialized experience, particularly in high-demand areas such as telepractice and early intervention, where competition for quality professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bismarck in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Bismarck?
Are speech-language pathologists in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?
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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 Bismarck. 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