Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $43.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Aberdeen, SD runs $43.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is projected to be $43.16, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, often accommodating flexible schedules in school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or even via telepractice. For example, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week could effectively earn a substantial income while managing personal commitments. The hourly earnings range from $29.09 for entry-level positions to $56.70 for top earners, with these figures derived from yearly salary estimates that reflect the local employment market's realities.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.09 | $232.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.84 | $278.69 |
| Median (P50) | $43.16 | $345.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.58 | $404.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.70 | $453.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $43.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.16/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $89,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,787. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,726.23 | $7,480 | $89,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.74 | $4,488 | $53,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.49 | $2,992 | $35,906 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Aberdeen) | $43.16 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $89,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $94,480.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.16/hr = $53,859/year (purchasing power: $58,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,764/year (purchasing power: $96,729).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Aberdeen grew 23.7% from $33.55/hr (2019) to $41.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.88/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
For those considering part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours per week could take home approximately $53,293 annually based on the 2026 projections. Per diem arrangements often present a different financial picture; many per diem speech-language pathologists receive between $50 and $75 hourly, with specialized medical roles, such as dysphagia-focused positions, earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour. Variations in hourly pay also stem from the type of employer in Aberdeen, with school districts generally offering lower rates compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities that tend to provide better compensation for their specialized needs. Those in search of higher hourly rates may negotiate for less traditional contracts but must weigh the benefits of health insurance offered with regular positions against higher pay without benefits in non-traditional roles. Depending on the setting, negotiating can be essential, especially when considering the trade-offs between job security and flexible earnings in their career path.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Aberdeen?
Are speech-language pathologists in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Aberdeen?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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