Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $40.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Ridgeland, MS runs $40.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,251 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Speech-language pathologists in Ridgeland, Mississippi, earn a median hourly rate of $40.26, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. For those considering part-time roles or per-diem work, this means that a speech-language pathologist working three days a week, around 24 hours, could expect a significant financial return tailored to their schedule. Professionals are typically found in settings such as school therapy rooms, hospitals conducting bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, and even telepractice venues. With an hourly pay range from $27.39 for entry-level positions to $50.62 for top earners, there are various opportunities depending on experience and setting, though these figures are projections derived from annual salary data.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $27.39 | $219.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.19 | $273.54 |
| Median (P50) | $40.26 | $322.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.18 | $361.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.62 | $404.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $40.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.26/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,318. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,610.60 | $6,979 | $83,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.36 | $4,188 | $50,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.24 | $2,792 | $33,500 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Ridgeland) | $40.26 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $83,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $87,232.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.26/hr = $50,251/year (purchasing power: $58,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,751/year (purchasing power: $97,726).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ridgeland grew 23.7% from $31.30/hr (2019) to $38.72/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.87/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
When examining the realities of part-time, per-diem, and agency positions for speech-language pathologists, the earning potential can vary widely based on facility type and patient demographic. For example, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week may take home around $46,771 annually, compared to full-time employees who could surpass $83,743 in a full year. Per-diem speech-language pathologists in Ridgeland can command between $50 and $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings, particularly dysphagia, might secure rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Conversely, telepractice roles generally offer hourly rates from $40 to $60, influenced by caseload structure. It's also essential to consider how hourly wages vary between employers, such as school districts, hospitals, or private practices. Many speech-language pathologists find themselves weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates that come without benefits. For those negotiating salaries in Ridgeland, highlighting experience and specialization can lead to better pay or improved benefits packages.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Ridgeland?
Are speech-language pathologists in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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