Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $39.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Cookeville, TN runs $39.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist in 2026 is $39.39, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate impacts part-time and per-diem positions, with many speech-language pathologists working in diverse environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly rate for entry-level positions starts around $26.54, while experienced clinicians can earn up to $51.74. Most estimates, including these hourly figures, derive from annual salary data, pointing to the variety of job settings available within this field across Cookeville, where therapists cater to different populations, from children needing articulation support to adults requiring rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.54 | $212.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.79 | $254.32 |
| Median (P50) | $39.39 | $315.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.32 | $362.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.74 | $413.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $39.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.39/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $81,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,270. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,575.66 | $6,828 | $81,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $945.39 | $4,097 | $49,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.26 | $2,731 | $32,774 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Cookeville) | $39.39 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $81,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.50% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $86,239.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.39/hr = $49,160/year (purchasing power: $53,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,934/year (purchasing power: $89,253).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cookeville grew 23.7% from $30.62/hr (2019) to $37.88/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.96/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
Part-time work can lead to different earning patterns for speech-language pathologists in Cookeville. A professional working three days a week for 24 hours could expect to earn an estimated $50,514 annually, demonstrating a notable difference compared to a full-time colleague. Per-diem positions present another option, where agency and contract speech-language pathologists earn between $50 and $75 per hour, depending on their specialty, with medical-focused SLPs commanding rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Various employer types influence hourly rates, with school districts often providing lower pay compared to skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. Some choose the benefits associated with fixed positions over higher per-hour rates without health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing experience and specialization can be advantageous, particularly in a market like Cookeville, where demand for qualified SLPs remains steady.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Cookeville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Cookeville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Cookeville. 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 Cookeville 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