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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.23/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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 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.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Van Buren?
Are speech-language pathologists in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Van Buren?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
Related Pages
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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 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).
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