SLP Salary

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $37.73 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Van Buren, AR runs $37.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,476 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,084 per year.

$78,476
Median Annual Salary
$37.73/hr
Hourly Rate
$55,626
Entry Level (P10)
$103,935
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Rate in Van Buren, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Van Buren, AR speech-language pathologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Van Buren, Arkansas, speech-language pathologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $37.73 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93, suggesting that local professionals might face different economic conditions and opportunities. For part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists, this hourly pay is critical for calculating weekly earnings in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Work schedules often include three-day weeks, where those part-time roles can equate to about $1,800 each week before taxes. Generally, hourly earnings for entry-level positions start at around $26.75, while experienced professionals can reach up to $49.97, providing a range of income based on experience, setting, and specific job responsibilities.

Considering part-time work, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home amount that reflects about $46,291 before taxes, significantly less than a full-time wage. Some per-diem or agency speech-language pathologists earn substantially more, billing between $50 to $75 per hour for flexible work, with specialists in medical settings, like dysphagia evaluations, receiving even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour. In Van Buren, hourly pay can vary widely depending on the employer type, whether it's school districts, clinics, or telepractice agencies. For those negotiating contracts, understanding the market for both hourly rates and benefits becomes essential; higher pay may come without health coverage, while lower rates may include additional benefits.

About the Van Buren Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$26.75$213.97
Lower Range (P25)$31.30$250.41
Median (P50)$37.73$301.82
Upper Range (P75)$43.82$350.57
Top Earners (P90)$49.97$399.74

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren

Based on $37.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a speech-language pathologist in Van Buren earning $37.73/hr would make approximately $45,273 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $78,473 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$45,273Reduced (32 hr/wk)$60,364Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$78,473

At $37.73/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $78,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,273. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$301.82
per 8hr shift
$1,509.10
per week
$6,539
per month
$78,473
per year

Schedule Comparison in Van Buren

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,509.10$6,539$78,473
Part-Time (24 hrs)$905.46$3,924$47,084
Per Diem (16 hrs)$603.64$2,616$31,389

Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Speech-Language Pathologist (Van Buren)$37.73
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing speech-language pathologist median salary in Van Buren ($78,476) with Arkansas average ($84,565) and the US national median ($101,775).Van Buren$78,476Arkansas Avg$84,565-7.20%US National$101,775-22.89%

Speech-Language Pathologists in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $78,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $84,565.

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $37.73/hr = $47,084/year (purchasing power: $54,182).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,473/year (purchasing power: $90,303).

CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$29.33/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$36.28/hr

2026 Current Est.

$37.73/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+33.8%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Van Buren (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for speech-language pathologists in Van Buren. Baseline $29.33/hr in 2025, projected to $39.23/hr by 2027.$27$31$34$38$412019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.33$29.83$29.31$31.19$33.10$30.25$36.28$37.73$39.23
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.33/hrActual
2020$29.83/hrActual
2021$29.31/hrActual
2022$31.19/hrActual
2023$33.10/hrActual
2024$30.25/hrActual
2025$36.28/hrActual
2026(current)$37.73/hrEstimated
2027$39.23/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Van Buren grew 23.7% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $36.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.23/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Van Buren

In Van Buren, Arkansas, speech-language pathologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $37.73 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93, suggesting that local professionals might face different economic conditions and opportunities. For part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists, this hourly pay is critical for calculating weekly earnings in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Work schedules often include three-day weeks, where those part-time roles can equate to about $1,800 each week before taxes. Generally, hourly earnings for entry-level positions start at around $26.75, while experienced professionals can reach up to $49.97, providing a range of income based on experience, setting, and specific job responsibilities.

Considering part-time work, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home amount that reflects about $46,291 before taxes, significantly less than a full-time wage. Some per-diem or agency speech-language pathologists earn substantially more, billing between $50 to $75 per hour for flexible work, with specialists in medical settings, like dysphagia evaluations, receiving even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour. In Van Buren, hourly pay can vary widely depending on the employer type, whether it's school districts, clinics, or telepractice agencies. For those negotiating contracts, understanding the market for both hourly rates and benefits becomes essential; higher pay may come without health coverage, while lower rates may include additional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Van Buren in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Van Buren is $37.73/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.99% annual growth). Rates range from $26.75 at entry level (10th percentile) to $49.97 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 22.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Van Buren?

A part-time speech-language pathologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Van Buren earns approximately $3,924/month, or $47,084/year at the median hourly rate of $37.73. Many speech-language pathologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are speech-language pathologists in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?

The majority of speech-language pathologists in Van Buren are paid hourly at a median rate of $37.73/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $78,473/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Van Buren?

A full-time speech-language pathologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Van Buren earns approximately $78,473/year at the median hourly rate of $37.73. This is 22.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $103,932/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?

Part-time and per diem speech-language pathologists in Van Buren sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $49.97/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Fatima Ali, CCC-SLPData verified by Miguel Torres, CCC-SLP

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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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