Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Shelbyville, TN: $39.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Shelbyville, TN runs $39.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Shelbyville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,511 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelbyville, TN, a speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly rate of $39.67, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy can be significant for those considering part-time work, as a professional working three days a week (typically 24 hours) will take home around $34,456 annually, reflecting the local market's pay structure. For per-diem workers, practices in both educational settings and healthcare facilities provide flexibility, with common hourly pay rates ranging from $26.82 for entry-level positions up to $51.11 for more experienced SLPs. Typical environments include school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions, where these hourly estimates are derived from broader annual salary data.
About the Shelbyville 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) | $26.82 | $214.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.98 | $255.82 |
| Median (P50) | $39.67 | $317.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.19 | $361.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelbyville
Based on $39.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.67/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelbyville, TN can expect to earn approximately $82,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,607. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelbyville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelbyville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.89 | $6,877 | $82,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.13 | $4,126 | $49,511 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.75 | $2,751 | $33,007 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Shelbyville) | $39.67 |
| 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 Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $82,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.91% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $86,233.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.67/hr = $49,511/year (purchasing power: $53,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,518/year (purchasing power: $89,889).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Shelbyville grew 23.7% from $30.84/hr (2019) to $38.15/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.26/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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville
When evaluating earning potential, part-time speech-language pathologists in Shelbyville often weigh their options against full-time roles, which typically provide greater job security and benefits, such as health insurance. Per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Shelbyville can vary significantly; many billing at $50-$75 per hour for agency work, while medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia can command rates from $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. Furthermore, telepractice contracts may offer between $40-$60 per hour, influenced by caseload structures. Pay rates can differ considerably across various employer types, including school districts, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. As professionals navigate salary negotiations, understanding the trade-offs associated with hourly rates—higher pay often comes with fewer benefits—becomes crucial. It’s advisable for SLPs to negotiate based on their specialty area and the demand for their skills in the local market.
More salary data for Shelbyville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Shelbyville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Shelbyville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Shelbyville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Shelbyville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Shelbyville?
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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 Shelbyville. 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 Shelbyville 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