Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $41.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Branson, MO runs $41.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,873 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Branson, Missouri, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.56, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This disparity indicates that professionals in Branson may need to adapt their expectations regarding pay, especially for part-time positions, which typically entail working three days a week. For these part-time hours, SLPs can find opportunities in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice, where their hourly rate can range from $29.37 at entry-level positions to as much as $53.71 for top earners. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the various opportunities available in Branson for those seeking to enter or advance within the field.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.37 | $234.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.55 | $276.36 |
| Median (P50) | $41.56 | $332.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.45 | $379.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.71 | $429.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $41.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.56/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $86,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,878. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,662.59 | $7,205 | $86,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $997.56 | $4,323 | $51,873 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.04 | $2,882 | $34,582 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Branson) | $41.56 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $86,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.05% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $93,068.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.56/hr = $51,873/year (purchasing power: $57,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,455/year (purchasing power: $96,490).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Branson grew 23.7% from $32.31/hr (2019) to $39.97/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.22/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 Branson 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 Branson
Looking more closely at earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working part-time in Branson for 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, potentially impacting their financial stability. Per-diem or agency work can provide a higher hourly rate, often ranging from $50 to $75 for general roles, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia might secure rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Settings such as school districts, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities typically influence the hourly rates, with those in educational roles often receiving fewer benefits compared to medical SLPs who may earn less but have comprehensive health insurance packages. Negotiating for better pay, especially in a competitive environment like Branson, requires awareness of the local market dynamics, including the balance between slightly higher hourly pay and the security of benefits. Understanding these nuances can help both new and seasoned professionals strategize their employment options effectively in the growing field of speech-language pathology.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Branson in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Branson?
Are speech-language pathologists in Branson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Branson?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Branson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Branson. 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 Branson 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