Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Pierre, SD: $88,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Pierre, SD earns a median $88,734/year (≈ $42.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $95,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the projected median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist in 2026 is set at $88,734. This figure is indicative of local estimates that take into account both regional price parities and the dynamics of the job market. The salary range for the profession varies significantly, offering potential earnings from $57,158 at the lower end to $116,479 for those in the highest percentiles. Compared to the national median salary of $101,775 for speech-language pathologists, Pierre's numbers show a difference of roughly 12.81%, reflecting both the state's unique economic conditions and the localized demand for specialized skills in speech therapy.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,158 | $27.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,941 | $36.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,734 | $42.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,416 | $49.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,479 | $56.00 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,321 (2026 est.). At $88,734, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Pierre median: $88,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $94,397 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -12.81% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $88,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $94,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $88,734 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,619 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,982
2025 BLS Actual
$85,329
2026 Current Est.
$88,734
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,358 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,848 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,274 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $68,982 (2019) to $85,329 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,274 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,292 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $57,158 – $74,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,941 – $88,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,734 – $102,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,416 – $116,479 |
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 Pierre
The job market in Pierre currently employs only four speech-language pathologists, highlighting a relatively small workforce for the field. With a cost-of-living index at 92.8, residents enjoy greater purchasing power, which can positively influence the true take-home earnings for clinicians. Employers in the area include school districts, outpatient pediatric clinics, and local hospitals, where those in skilled nursing facilities or medical settings often earn more due to the specialized nature of the work. Variations in pay can be driven by factors ranging from employment settings—where medical roles typically command higher salaries—to specialty certifications and contract type, including year-round positions versus those tied to the school calendar. For those looking to maximize their speech-language pathologist pay in Pierre, pursuing roles in medical environments or telepractice could yield additional financial benefits, particularly given the post-2020 growth in remote service delivery.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $85,329 for speech-language pathologistsin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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