Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Muscatine, IA: $79,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Muscatine, IA earns a median $79,129/year (≈ $38.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $87,532 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the salary figures for speech-language pathologists reflect significant variation tied to the work environment, particularly between school and medical settings. For 2026, the median annual income is estimated to be $79,129, which is markedly lower than the national median of $101,775, indicating a gap of 22.25% in compensation. The salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning around $56,822 (P10) and experienced professionals commanding up to $102,800 (P90). These estimates come from BLS state-level data, adjusted according to local price parities. Muscatine's job market includes a small cohort of five employed speech-language pathologists, which may influence the local dynamics and opportunities for job seekers.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,822 | $27.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,250 | $31.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,129 | $38.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,845 | $43.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,800 | $49.43 |
Median Salary Position
22.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,978 (2026 est.). At $79,129, the local median is 22.25% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $79,129/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $84,721 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -22.25% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $79,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.25% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $84,721.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $79,129 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,532 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,515
2025 BLS Actual
$76,093
2026 Current Est.
$79,129
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,515 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $61,515 (2019) to $76,093 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,771 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,822 – $66,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,250 – $79,129 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,129 – $90,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,845 – $102,800 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Muscatine
The local job market in Muscatine, IA, shows a unique economic context for speech-language pathologists. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, this area offers a more affordable lifestyle than the national average, meaning take-home salaries may stretch further. School districts typically dominate employment opportunities, accounting for roughly 55% of SLP roles, though those in medical settings, such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, can expect higher compensation due to the specialized nature of the work. The compensation disparity often hinges on factors like the employment setting, specific certifications, and the demand for bilingual SLPs. For professionals looking to maximize their earnings, seeking positions that offer year-round contracts, pursuing board specialty certifications or working in telepractice are all effective strategies to boost salary potential in this market.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Muscatine, IA in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Muscatine?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,093 for speech-language pathologistsin the Muscatine metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Muscatine 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