Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $43.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Watertown, SD runs $43.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,814 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,494 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $43.67, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy influences part-time and per-diem opportunities within various settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into significant income potential while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in Watertown varies from $29.87 for entry-level positions to $56.63 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities in both educational and medical contexts and the experience level of practitioners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, demonstrating the income distribution across this occupation.
About the Watertown 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) | $29.87 | $238.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.44 | $283.52 |
| Median (P50) | $43.67 | $349.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.97 | $399.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.63 | $453.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $43.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.67/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $90,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,398. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,746.62 | $7,569 | $90,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,047.97 | $4,541 | $54,494 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $698.65 | $3,027 | $36,330 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Watertown) | $43.67 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $90,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $94,402.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.67/hr = $54,494/year (purchasing power: $58,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,824/year (purchasing power: $97,871).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Watertown grew 23.7% from $33.95/hr (2019) to $41.99/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.41/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Part-time speech-language pathologists in Watertown who work around 24 hours a week can anticipate a gross income of approximately $54,048 annually, which offers a different lifestyle compared to full-time professionals. Per diem or locum tenens positions are becoming more appealing; in these roles, SLPs often charge between $50-$75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning $80-$110 per hour. Telepractice opportunities also present varying rates from $40 to $60 per hour, contingent upon the caseload structure. The hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer, such as school districts, rehabilitation hospitals, and private practices. It’s common for SLPs to face the decision of opting for lower hourly wages that include health benefits versus higher rates in non-benefit roles. Negotiating compensation effectively can mean the difference between positions in a school district and those in outpatient clinics, so it's wise for speech-language pathologists in Watertown to understand their worth and the market dynamics at play within the SD job landscape.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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