Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Murray, KY: $79,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Murray, KY earns a median $79,823/year (≈ $38.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $89,387 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for speech-language pathologists in Murray, Kentucky, stands at $79,823, substantially lower than the national median of $101,775. This local figure represents a pay range from $57,603 at the 10th percentile to $104,111 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability in compensation levels. Factors such as the increasing demand for specialized services—particularly in dysphagia and medical settings—also contribute to this market dynamic. Additionally, estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments suggest that while Murray may have a lower average salary for SLPs, the area's cost of living index of 89.3 indicates that local salaries stretch further than they might in cities with higher living costs.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,603 | $27.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,974 | $32.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,823 | $38.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,715 | $44.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,111 | $50.05 |
Median Salary Position
21.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,508 (2026 est.). At $79,823, the local median is 21.57% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Murray median: $79,823/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $85,372 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -21.57% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Murray, KY earn a median of $79,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.57% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $85,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $79,823 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,387 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,054
2025 BLS Actual
$76,760
2026 Current Est.
$79,823
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,121 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,008 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $62,054 (2019) to $76,760 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,008 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,954 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $57,603 – $66,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,974 – $79,823 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,823 – $91,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,715 – $104,111 |
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 Murray
Analyzing the job market in Murray reveals a relatively modest employment landscape with only four speech-language pathologists currently working in the area. Despite this limited number, the cost-of-living reality means that professionals here can attain a more favorable purchasing power compared to populations in higher-cost locales. In terms of compensation, hospital settings, particularly those focused on inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, typically offer the highest salaries. The gap between low and high earnings largely stems from setting types—where medical facilities often outpay schools—and from variables such as year-round contracts and specialty certifications. For those seeking to maximize their speech-language pathologist pay in Murray, pursuing opportunities in medical and specialized environments, gaining bilingual competencies, or exploring telepractice options could enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $76,760 for speech-language pathologistsin the Murray 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 Murray 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