Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $39.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Meridian, MS runs $39.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,687 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, a speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly pay of $39.76, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This figure provides insight into the local earning potential for full-time, part-time, and per-diem positions. For professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a flexible schedule while allowing earnings in various environments such as school therapy rooms, hospital bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly pay ranges from $26.60 for entry-level positions to $52.04 for the top earners, highlighting the opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.60 | $212.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.98 | $255.82 |
| Median (P50) | $39.76 | $318.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.60 | $364.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.04 | $416.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $39.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.76/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $82,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,706. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,590.22 | $6,891 | $82,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.13 | $4,135 | $49,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.09 | $2,756 | $33,076 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Meridian) | $39.76 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $82,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $87,222.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.76/hr = $49,615/year (purchasing power: $57,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,691/year (purchasing power: $96,489).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Meridian grew 23.7% from $30.91/hr (2019) to $38.23/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.34/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Part-time speech-language pathologists in Meridian working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $49,585 annually, which reflects a significant difference compared to full-time employees earning up to $82,687. For those opting for per-diem roles, earnings can vary significantly; many professionals charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical specialists focusing on dysphagia commanding $80 to $110 per hour. This variability is influenced by the type of employer—schools typically offer lower rates compared to hospitals and private clinics where greater demand for specialized services exists. Some SLPs may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits provided, making it critical for professionals in Meridian to weigh options carefully and negotiate effectively, particularly in a city where employment opportunities can shift based on local demands in educational and healthcare settings.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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