Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Traverse City, MI: $43.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Traverse City, MI runs $43.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Traverse City's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,378 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Traverse City, Michigan, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $43.57. This figure falls below the national median of $48.93, reflecting a regional variance in compensation for this specialized role. For practitioners working part-time or seeking per diem opportunities, the median pay translates into a workable framework across diverse settings such as school therapy sessions, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. Most part-time positions could involve a schedule of just three days a week, allowing for a balance between professional duties and personal time. With an hourly range extending from $30.87 for entry-level positions to $51.15 for top earners, Traverse City offers flexibility and varying income potential tailored to individual circumstances. These insights are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 for the most accurate reflection of current trends.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.87 | $247.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.29 | $314.30 |
| Median (P50) | $43.57 | $348.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.89 | $407.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.15 | $409.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Traverse City
Based on $43.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.57/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Traverse City, MI can expect to earn approximately $90,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,286. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Traverse City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Traverse City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,742.87 | $7,552 | $90,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,045.72 | $4,531 | $54,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.15 | $3,021 | $36,252 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Traverse City) | $43.57 |
| 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 Traverse City, MI earn a median of $90,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% lower than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.57/hr = $54,378/year (purchasing power: $58,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,629/year (purchasing power: $97,063).
CoL index: 93.372 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Traverse City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Traverse City grew 23.7% from $33.87/hr (2019) to $41.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.31/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 Traverse City 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 Traverse City
Part-time speech-language pathologists in Traverse City can effectively manage their earnings by balancing their work hours and schedule. A typical part-time role at 24 hours per week could yield around $54,000 annually. In contrast, per diem positions often offer higher hourly rates, enabling SLPs to achieve greater earnings flexibility. For instance, per diem workers may bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, whereas specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command rates between $80 and $110 per hour, particularly in cash practices. As for telepractice opportunities, contracts tend to pay between $40 and $60 per hour based on the caseload structure. The hourly rate frequently fluctuates depending on the employer type. School districts may offer lower rates due to their budget constraints while medical facilities and private practices tend to provide more competitive compensation. SLPs may need to weigh the benefits of various employment settings, considering factors like health insurance and job stability versus higher pay without benefits. Practical negotiation tips in Traverse City would include researching prevailing wages and demonstrating value based on licensure, certifications, and relevant experience.
More salary data for Traverse City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Traverse City in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Traverse City?
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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 Traverse City. 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, 2-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