Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $43.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Memphis, TN runs $43.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,729 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Speech-language pathologists in Memphis, Tennessee, earn a median hourly rate of $43.05, which falls below the national median of $48.93. This hourly pay reflects the local economic landscape and sets the stage for various employment scenarios. For part-time workers, such as those leveraging flexibility by working three days a week, this rate can translate to a steady income that supports their lifestyle. Per-diem positions, common in settings like school therapy rooms or hospital rehabilitation units, offer a range of compensation. In Memphis, hourly wages range from approximately $29.66 at the lower end of the spectrum to $58.75 for top earners, providing pathways for both entry-level clinicians and those with significant experience across different practice environments like outpatient clinics and telepractice.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.66 | $237.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.54 | $252.32 |
| Median (P50) | $43.05 | $344.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.12 | $408.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.75 | $470.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $43.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.05/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $89,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,662. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.07 | $7,462 | $89,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.24 | $4,477 | $53,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.83 | $2,985 | $35,819 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Memphis) | $43.05 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $89,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.90% above the Tennessee state average of $86,195.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.05/hr = $53,729/year (purchasing power: $58,287).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,548/year (purchasing power: $97,146).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Memphis grew 7.7% from $38.44/hr (2019) to $41.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.77/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Analyzing the earnings potential reveals that a part-time speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. While part-timers can maintain a balanced schedule, they might earn about $55,000 annually based on current hourly rates, compared to potentially over $89,000 full-time. Per diem speech-language pathologists often command higher billing rates, typically between $50 and $75 hourly, especially in medical settings where specialty skills are in demand, such as dysphagia evaluation. In Memphis, there's a noticeable variance in hourly rates depending on the employer type; school districts may offer lower rates compared to medical facilities like skilled nursing facilities, which often pay more due to the specialized nature of the work. Before negotiating contracts, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of full-time employment, including health insurance, against the allure of higher per diem pay without benefits. SLPs entering the job market or exploring new opportunities should come prepared to discuss their unique skills and the impact they bring to diverse settings to optimize their hourly compensation.
More salary data for Memphis, 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 Memphis. 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