Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $42.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in North Little Rock, AR runs $42.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $42.55 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This figure reflects the typical compensation landscape where part-time and per-diem workers, who may be employed in settings like school therapy rooms or telepractice sessions, can expect to earn between $28.03 and $59.76 per hour depending on experience and specific job responsibilities. For those considering roles in North Little Rock, entry-level positions likely hover at the lower end of the scale, while seasoned professionals can command significantly higher rates, particularly in specialized areas such as medical settings or advanced therapy modalities.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.03 | $224.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.11 | $272.87 |
| Median (P50) | $42.55 | $340.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.85 | $406.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.76 | $478.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $42.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.55/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $88,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,063. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,702.11 | $7,376 | $88,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.26 | $4,425 | $53,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.84 | $2,950 | $35,404 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (North Little Rock) | $42.55 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $88,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.04% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.70% above the Arkansas state average of $84,528.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.55/hr = $53,106/year (purchasing power: $61,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,510/year (purchasing power: $101,852).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in North Little Rock grew 23.7% from $33.08/hr (2019) to $40.92/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.25/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Exploring the financial dynamics for a speech-language pathologist working part-time in North Little Rock reveals intriguing insights. A clinician working three days a week at 24 hours would bring home a considerably different annual income compared to full-time colleagues, impacting their choices in work-life balance versus financial gain. On the per-diem side, SLPs often charge between $50 and $75 an hour, with medical speech-language pathologists focusing on dysphagia sometimes demanding $80 to $110 in cash practices. The hourly rates can vary significantly across different employer types: school districts predominantly employ SLPs, while hospitals and skilled nursing facilities may offer more lucrative opportunities. When considering job packages, many clinicians choose lower hourly rates for the added benefit of health insurance. Those negotiating hourly rates in North Little Rock should consider the overall compensation package, including benefits and job stability versus higher pay in less secure gig positions.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in North Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in North Little Rock?
Are speech-language pathologists in North Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in North Little Rock?
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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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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