Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Valparaiso, IN runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, Indiana, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.53 in 2026, which falls notably below the national hourly median of $48.93. This discrepancy means that those working part-time, say three days a week, will earn about $31,364 annually, which may not reflect the income necessary for a comfortable lifestyle in the region. Per-diem speech-language pathologists are likely to find varied opportunities across essential settings, such as school therapy rooms, hospital evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. The hourly wage can range from $26.94 for entry-level positions up to $53.63 for seasoned professionals, illustrating the potential for earning more as one gains experience and expertise in specialized areas like dysphagia or augmentative and alternative communication.
About the Valparaiso Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.94 | $215.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.88 | $263.05 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.63 | $429.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $86,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,840. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.34 | $7,199 | $86,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.81 | $4,319 | $51,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.54 | $2,880 | $34,556 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Valparaiso) | $41.53 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $86,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $87,607.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,834/year (purchasing power: $56,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,390/year (purchasing power: $94,622).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Valparaiso grew 23.7% from $32.29/hr (2019) to $39.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.19/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
A part-time speech-language pathologist operating at 24 hours a week can expect to earn $31,364 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. For those looking for flexibility, per-diem or agency opportunities can boost hourly income; many SLPs charge between $50 and $75/hour, particularly in high-demand medical settings, with cash practices for dysphagia specialists reaching upwards of $110/hour. Hourly rates vary based on employer type—school districts may offer lower compensation compared to hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, where healthcare benefits are often a significant consideration. While some speech-language pathologists may opt for the potential of higher hourly pay with smaller private practices or teletherapy services, the trade-off often includes a lack of health insurance. Negotiating for higher rates requires an understanding of local market conditions and the value of specialized certifications like the CCC-SLP.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Valparaiso in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Valparaiso?
Are speech-language pathologists in Valparaiso paid hourly or salary?
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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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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