Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $39.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wausau, WI runs $39.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,143 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,693 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $39.02, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This hourly rate reflects a range in the profession, where entry-level positions may start at approximately $30.58 while experienced clinicians can earn up to $50.21 per hour. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically in environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or telepractice sessions, this pay translates into a stable income that supports flexible work-life balance and various caseloads. Employees can expect to navigate diverse therapeutic settings, from providing bedside dysphagia evaluations in hospitals to conducting AAC device trials, all contributing to their overall work experience and satisfaction.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.58 | $244.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.67 | $285.35 |
| Median (P50) | $39.02 | $312.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.85 | $374.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.21 | $401.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $39.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.02/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $81,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,820. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,560.68 | $6,763 | $81,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.41 | $4,058 | $48,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.27 | $2,705 | $32,462 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wausau) | $39.02 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $81,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.27% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $82,463.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.02/hr = $48,693/year (purchasing power: $52,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,155/year (purchasing power: $87,593).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wausau grew 24.9% from $30.03/hr (2019) to $37.52/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.57/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Taking a closer look at the earning potential within this profession, part-time speech-language pathologists working 24 hours per week would gross around $61,000 annually based on the median hourly rate. In contrast, those choosing per-diem or agency work could potentially bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia seeing rates climb to $80-$110 per hour. Hourly compensation varies significantly depending on the employer—school districts are generally more budget-conscious compared to hospital settings where dysphagia clinicians can demand higher pay. Many SLPs face a trade-off when considering compensation; higher hourly wages may forego crucial benefits like health insurance offered by full-time positions. For those negotiating pay in Wausau, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of long-term employment versus the immediate financial rewards of higher hourly rates, ensuring confidence in their worth within the local job market.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Wausau?
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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 Wausau. 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