Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $45.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lincoln, NE runs $45.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,311 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median hourly pay of $45.92, speech-language pathologists in Lincoln, NE, earn slightly below the national median of $48.93 per hour. This hourly rate positions SLPs well for varying work schedules, particularly for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week. In typical settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions, this translates to a substantial income, especially for professionals who enjoy flexibility in their careers. The hourly wage range for speech-language pathologists in Lincoln spans from $38.86 at the 10th percentile to $62.72 at the 90th percentile, allowing for a diversity of employment options, including entry-level roles and positions for top earners. These figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reflecting data projected for 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.86 | $310.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.68 | $333.43 |
| Median (P50) | $45.92 | $367.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.48 | $395.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.72 | $501.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $45.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.92/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $95,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,106. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,836.88 | $7,960 | $95,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,102.13 | $4,776 | $57,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.75 | $3,184 | $38,207 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lincoln) | $45.92 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $95,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.14% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.60% above the Nebraska state average of $93,104.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.92/hr = $57,311/year (purchasing power: $62,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,518/year (purchasing power: $104,299).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lincoln grew 21.4% from $36.39/hr (2019) to $44.16/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.75/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Exploring the earning potential further reveals intriguing dynamics, particularly for part-time roles. A speech-language pathologist working 24 hours per week with the hourly pay established would take home approximately $57,417 annually—substantially lower than a full-time clinician's income. On the per diem side, professionals can command higher rates; agency and locum SLPs might bill anywhere from $50 to $75 hourly, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia reaching $80-$110 in cash practices. Additionally, telepractice offers flexibility with pay varying from $40 to $60 per hour, dependent on caseload structure. Various employer types in Lincoln also influence hourly rates. School districts often offer more stable positions but at lower pay compared to higher-paying settings such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Nonetheless, speech-language pathologists often weigh the benefits of health insurance against the allure of higher, non-benefit hourly rates. For those in Lincoln, negotiating pay effectively can make a significant difference, especially when considering the regional cost of living and the demand for specialized skills in both educational and medical contexts.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
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 Lincoln. 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, 7-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