Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Hays, KS: $86,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Hays, KS earns a median $86,618/year (≈ $41.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $95,289 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Hays, Kansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $86,618, significantly lower than the national median of $101,775. The salary range for this profession locally spans from $62,566 at the lower tenth percentile to $112,934 at the upper ninetieth. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the unique dynamics of Hays’s job market. With telepractice on the rise, many speech-language pathologists are exploring 1099 contracts, which can influence overall hourly compensation. This evolving landscape provides potential for flexibility and additional income streams, particularly in a city where the demand for speech-language services remains consistent.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,566 | $30.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,787 | $34.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,618 | $41.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,692 | $47.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,934 | $54.29 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,368 (2026 est.). At $86,618, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Hays median: $86,618/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $92,541 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -14.89% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Hays, KS earn a median of $86,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $92,541.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $86,618 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,289 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,337
2025 BLS Actual
$83,295
2026 Current Est.
$86,618
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,337 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,286 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,086 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,295 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,075 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $67,337 (2019) to $83,295 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,075 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,738 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $62,566 – $72,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,787 – $86,618 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,618 – $99,692 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,692 – $112,934 |
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 Hays
The job market in Hays presents a modest employment setup, with only five speech-language pathologists currently working in the area. The local cost of living is indexed at 90.9, which is below the national average, indicating that the take-home pay may stretch further compared to higher-cost regions. Among the various employers, school districts typically represent the most extensive market, although roles in hospital inpatient rehab or skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher salaries due to the specialized nature of medical settings. Factors such as board certification stipends, year-round contracts, and bilingual premiums can create disparities in pay. Aspiring speech-language pathologists should consider targeting positions in medical facilities or engaging in telepractice to maximize their earning potential in Hays, KS.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Hays, KS in 2026?
Is Hays, KS a good place to work as a speech-language pathologist?
Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Hays?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted speech-language pathologist salary in Hays?
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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 $83,295 for speech-language pathologistsin the Hays 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 Hays 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