Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $41.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Appleton, WI runs $41.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,198 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in 2026 stands at $41.02. This figure is notably below the national median hourly rate of $48.93, indicating that SLPs in Appleton might earn less compared to their counterparts in other regions. For professionals working part-time, such as those in school therapy rooms or outpatient clinics, this hourly rate can translate into a reasonable income while balancing other responsibilities. The hourly wage range in Appleton for SLPs spans from $29.07 at the lower end (P10) to $53.75 for the highest earners (P90), offering opportunities for various levels of expertise, from entry-level positions to experienced practitioners managing complex cases in settings like telepractice sessions and skilled nursing facilities. These hourly estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected into 2026, providing a reliable overview of expected compensation in this field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.07 | $232.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.82 | $278.53 |
| Median (P50) | $41.02 | $328.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.86 | $390.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.75 | $430.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $41.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.02/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $85,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,229. With a cost-of-living index of 92.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,640.96 | $7,111 | $85,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $984.58 | $4,267 | $51,198 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.38 | $2,844 | $34,132 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Appleton) | $41.02 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $85,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.15% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $82,448.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.02/hr = $51,198/year (purchasing power: $55,398).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,330/year (purchasing power: $92,330).
CoL index: 92.419 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Appleton grew 31.3% from $30.04/hr (2019) to $39.45/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.66/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
Examining the potential annual income for a part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—highlights the differences compared to full-time counterparts. On a part-time basis, one could expect to earn around $51,000 annually, which is significantly less than the total income of a full-time SLP. Conversely, per diem SLPs in Appleton often have the potential to charge between $50 and $75 per hour for their services. Especially in the medical sector, where dysphagia evaluations are critical, rates can rise to between $80 and $110 an hour. This variation in hourly pay reflects the diverse settings in which SLPs operate, ranging from school districts that predominantly employ these professionals to outpatient pediatric clinics and telepractice. The distinct trade-offs between higher pay rates without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance options highlight the complexities of negotiating compensation for SLPs in Appleton. For those entering or navigating the field, understanding local trends and employer expectations can bolster negotiation strategies and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Appleton in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Appleton?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Appleton?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Appleton?
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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 Appleton. 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