Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $40.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Gallatin, TN runs $40.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gallatin, TN, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay is set at $40.19, which falls notably below the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This disparity suggests that SLPs in the area may experience different conditions in their work settings, influencing earnings. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly rate translates into about $1,288 for a 24-hour work week, allowing for balanced professional and personal commitments in various environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. Entry-level positions in Gallatin may start at about $25.10 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $54.46 per hour, highlighting a significant income potential across different levels of experience.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.10 | $200.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.42 | $267.38 |
| Median (P50) | $40.19 | $321.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.14 | $377.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.46 | $435.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $40.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.19/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $83,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,231. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,607.69 | $6,967 | $83,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $964.61 | $4,180 | $50,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.07 | $2,787 | $33,440 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Gallatin) | $40.19 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $83,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.85% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $86,193.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.19/hr = $50,160/year (purchasing power: $54,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,600/year (purchasing power: $91,067).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gallatin grew 23.7% from $31.25/hr (2019) to $38.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.80/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
Examining employment dynamics reveals a nuanced earning spectrum for speech-language pathologists in Gallatin, particularly for part-time workers or those seeking per-diem opportunities. A three-day work week could yield annual take-home earnings that are significantly less than full-time counterparts, emphasizing the financial trade-offs for flexibility. For per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Gallatin, typical billing rates for supplemental work can range from $50 to $75 an hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour. Variability in hourly rates is also present across employer types; school districts may offer different compensation compared to hospitals or private practices. Those seeking to maximize income should carefully assess benefits, as some positions with slightly lower pay may include vital health insurance, while higher hourly rates can come without these benefits. Negotiation tactics can improve earnings; it’s advisable for SLPs to query potential employers about case load structures and pay rates, enabling a clearer understanding of overall compensation in this growing market.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gallatin in 2026?
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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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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