Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $37.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in River Falls, WI runs $37.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,705 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,617 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $37.35, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This disparity may impact part-time professionals who work three days per week in various settings such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. With an hourly range from $24.25 for entry-level positions to $49.25 for top earners, these figures indicate that new graduates might face challenges entering the field, especially given the expected competition. Understanding how these hourly rates translate into workable budgets is essential, particularly for those considering per-diem roles where flexibility in scheduling can be an attractive option.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.25 | $194.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.84 | $246.75 |
| Median (P50) | $37.35 | $298.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.25 | $346.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.25 | $394.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $37.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.35/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $77,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,824. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,494.13 | $6,475 | $77,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.48 | $3,885 | $46,617 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.65 | $2,590 | $31,078 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (River Falls) | $37.35 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $77,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.65% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $82,490.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.35/hr = $46,617/year (purchasing power: $49,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,695/year (purchasing power: $83,185).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in River Falls grew 23.7% from $29.04/hr (2019) to $35.92/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.84/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Examining the financial landscape for part-time speech-language pathologists working 24 hours a week reveals that they can expect to earn around $46,465 annually, compared to colleagues in full-time roles. The pay structure varies notably among employer types in River Falls, with per-diem speech-language pathologists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia might earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-based practices. Though telepractice can yield $40 to $60 per contracted hour, professionals must weigh the benefits of stable healthcare coverage typically offered by full-time positions against potentially higher hourly rates available in contract work without benefits. For those negotiating pay, emphasizing specialized skills and flexible availability can be advantageous in a market where school districts and medical facilities influence compensation standards.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in River Falls?
Are speech-language pathologists in River Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in River Falls?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in River Falls?
Related Pages
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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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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