Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $39.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kingsport, TN runs $39.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,090 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.4, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,251 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kingsport, TN, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $39.46, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This disparity can impact the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, commonly found in settings like school therapy rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. With an hourly range spanning from $27.49 for entry-level positions to $58.75 for experienced professionals, the variance reflects differences in experience and specific employer types. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information highlights that these rates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, giving insights into the compensation landscape for SLPs in this region.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.49 | $219.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.91 | $255.32 |
| Median (P50) | $39.46 | $315.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.05 | $408.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.75 | $470.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $39.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.46/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $82,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,357. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,578.57 | $6,840 | $82,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $947.14 | $4,104 | $49,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $631.43 | $2,736 | $32,834 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kingsport) | $39.46 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $82,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.80% below the Tennessee state average of $86,229.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.46/hr = $49,251/year (purchasing power: $56,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,086/year (purchasing power: $94,955).
CoL index: 86.447 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kingsport grew 13.0% from $33.59/hr (2019) to $37.95/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.04/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
For part-time SLPs working three days a week—totaling approximately 24 hours—annual earnings can be significantly impacted compared to full-time roles. It’s common for per-diem speech-language pathologists to earn between $50 and $75 per hour, especially in specialized medical settings. Those focusing on dysphagia may command even higher rates, from $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Meanwhile, hourly compensation can differ across various job settings in Kingsport, including school districts, hospitals, and private practices. Some SLPs may accept lower rates with the trade-off of obtaining health benefits, while others may prefer the higher pay but without the same level of security. Negotiating pay can be a decisive factor, and local SLPs should consider presenting their specialized skills, such as familiarity with early intervention or telepractice, which are increasingly valuable in today's market.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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 Kingsport. 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