Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fort Wayne, IN: $41.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fort Wayne, IN runs $41.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,520 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fort Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,912 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is projected at $41.60 in 2026, representing a difference from the national median hourly rate of $48.93. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this equates to substantial earning potential in various therapeutic settings. SLPs often find themselves in school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even telepractice environments, where flexibility is a key component. The hourly range in Fort Wayne spans from $25.85 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $63.18 at the top (90th percentile), offering opportunities for new graduates to build experience while seasoned professionals can maximize their earning capabilities depending on their area of specialization and employment type. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects the competitive nature of speech-language therapy roles within the region.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.85 | $206.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Median (P50) | $41.60 | $332.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.68 | $413.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.18 | $505.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Wayne
Based on $41.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.60/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Wayne, IN can expect to earn approximately $86,520 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,915. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,663.84 | $7,210 | $86,520 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $998.30 | $4,326 | $51,912 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.54 | $2,884 | $34,608 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fort Wayne) | $41.60 |
| 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 Fort Wayne, IN earn a median of $86,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.99% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.20% below the Indiana state average of $87,571.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.60/hr = $51,912/year (purchasing power: $56,077).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,520/year (purchasing power: $93,462).
CoL index: 92.572 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fort Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fort Wayne grew 11.8% from $35.78/hr (2019) to $40.00/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.26/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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne
Turning to the practical considerations for speech-language pathologists, part-time professionals earning $41.60 per hour will take home approximately $32,256 annually based on a 24-hour work week, while a full-time position would yield a significantly higher income. Many SLPs opt for per-diem or locum tenens work, which can command rates between $50 and $110 per hour, offering a lucrative alternative for those with specialized skills in medical settings—particularly in dysphagia management. The hourly rates vary from school districts to skilled nursing facilities and private practice, often reflecting not only the type of employment but also benefits such as health insurance. It's common for SLPs to weigh the benefits of stability and health coverage against higher hourly rates that may not include such perks. For individuals negotiating their pay in Fort Wayne, understanding the specifics of their role and the potential earnings across different employers can significantly influence their approach.
More salary data for Fort Wayne, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fort Wayne in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fort Wayne?
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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 Fort Wayne. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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