Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Grand Forks, ND: $38.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Grand Forks, ND runs $38.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Grand Forks's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,603 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Grand Forks, North Dakota, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly pay of $38.14, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This wage affects various employment scenarios, such as those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For a pathologist working three days a week, they might earn around $1,000 weekly, which suits those looking for flexibility in settings that include school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or telepractice sessions. Entry-level positions can see an hourly rate as low as $30.64, while seasoned professionals can command up to $50.76 an hour, reflecting the diverse experiences and responsibilities SLPs undertake in the region. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable snapshot of potential earnings in the field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.64 | $245.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.64 | $245.08 |
| Median (P50) | $38.14 | $305.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.03 | $328.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.76 | $406.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Forks
Based on $38.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.14/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Forks, ND can expect to earn approximately $79,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,772. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Forks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Forks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,525.74 | $6,612 | $79,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.44 | $3,967 | $47,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.30 | $2,645 | $31,735 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Grand Forks) | $38.14 |
| 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 Forks, ND earn a median of $79,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.05% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 15.30% below the North Dakota state average of $93,665.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.14/hr = $47,603/year (purchasing power: $54,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,339/year (purchasing power: $91,548).
CoL index: 86.663 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Forks grew 21.2% from $30.27/hr (2019) to $36.68/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.67/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 Forks 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 Forks
Looking beyond the basic hourly rate, part-time speech-language pathologists in Grand Forks can expect varying annual compensation depending on their work schedule. A three-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, results in a take-home pay that is typically lower than that of full-time professionals. Per diem and agency SLPs in the area often capitalize on higher hourly earnings, with rates ranging from $50 to $75 depending on specific roles. Medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia can command between $80 and $110 an hour in cash practices due to the specialized nature of their work. Conversely, school districts, while providing job security and benefits, may offer lower hourly wages compared to other settings. Negotiating effectively for higher pay can hinge on understanding these variances, especially for those coming from higher-paying medical positions or telepractice contracts. In the end, whether pursuing a full-time career in schools or a flexible per diem role, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Grand Forks presents several opportunities tailored to individual career goals.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Grand Forks in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Grand Forks?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Forks?
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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 Forks. 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