Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $42.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Dubuque, IA runs $42.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.3, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,054 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly pay of $42.51, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate translates to varying earning potential for those who are part-time or considering per-diem work in settings like school therapy rooms, hospital bedsides for dysphagia assessments, outpatient clinic articulation sessions, and telepractice environments. For entry-level positions, hourly wages start around $38.48, while experienced professionals can earn up to $52.40 depending on their specialization and employer type. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 figures projected to 2026, illustrates the earning opportunities available for speech-language pathologists within Dubuque.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.48 | $307.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.81 | $318.46 |
| Median (P50) | $42.51 | $340.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.41 | $395.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.40 | $419.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $42.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.51/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $88,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,013. With a cost-of-living index of 87.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,700.44 | $7,369 | $88,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.27 | $4,421 | $53,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.18 | $2,947 | $35,369 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Dubuque) | $42.51 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $88,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.12% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.40% above the Iowa state average of $84,696.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.51/hr = $53,054/year (purchasing power: $60,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,423/year (purchasing power: $101,254).
CoL index: 87.328 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dubuque grew 30.8% from $31.25/hr (2019) to $40.88/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.21/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
The financial landscape for speech-language pathologists working part-time or on a per-diem basis can vary significantly, particularly for those who may choose a schedule of three days per week. For instance, working 24 hours per week at the median rate can provide an annual income lower than that of full-time colleagues, yet still allows for flexibility in work-life balance. Per-diem speech-language pathologists in Dubuque often find that their pay can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia sometimes commanding $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Additionally, those in telepractice roles might see rates between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on their workload. Across different employment sectors in Dubuque, school districts generally offer lower hourly wages compared to the hospital and skilled nursing facility sectors, which is an important consideration for SLPs juggling the trade-off between benefits and higher hourly compensation. When negotiating hourly rates, understanding the specifics of the local job market and demonstrating expertise in specialized areas like AAC or telepractice can significantly enhance a speech-language pathologist’s bargaining position.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dubuque in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Dubuque?
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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 Dubuque. 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, 6-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