Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Leawood, KS: $119,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of speech-language pathologists working in Leawood, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,306/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1127. Strip back Leawood's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $131,250 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leawood, Kansas, senior speech-language pathologists specializing in advanced clinical practices have a significant earning potential, especially with the 2026 projected salary range that places the top earners (P90) at $119,306 annually. This figure is impressive, yet when compared to the national top-tier salaries, which average $101,775, Leawood SLPs still reflect a market adjustment. The gap between the median salary of $89,024 and high earners highlights the premium placed on expertise, specialization, and leadership. Achieving this level of compensation often requires years of experience, substantial clinical knowledge, and possibly additional certifications or advanced roles within institutions, underscoring the importance of a focused career trajectory.
About the Leawood Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leawood
Experienced speech-language pathologists at the top of the pay scale in Leawood earn between $103,595 and $119,306 per year (2026 est.). This $57,485 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leawood median of $89,024 sits 12.53% below the US median.
Top SLP Salary Comparison
| Level | Leawood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $89,024 | $101,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,595 | $119,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,306 | $139,513 |
In Leawood, experienced speech-language pathologists (P90) earn 34.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Leawood
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS speech-language pathologists with additional specialty certifications within the speech-language pathology field earn significantly above the $89,024 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leawood employers.
Specialty Focus
Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the speech-language pathology field in Leawood command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,595–$119,306 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leawood metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced speech-language pathologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured speech-language pathologists in Leawood with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Speech-Language Pathologists in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Speech-Language Pathologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Leawood
Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
5-10 yearsSpeech-Language Pathologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeawood ranks #9 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner speech-language pathologist salary (90th percentile: $119,306).
Top 10% speech-language pathologist compensation in Leawood ($119,306) is 2.38% above the Kansas average P90 ($116,536).
2019 BLS Actual
$103,696
2025 BLS Actual
$114,728
2026 Current Est.
$119,306
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,696 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,066 | Projected |
Top-earning speech-language pathologists (90th percentile) in Leawood saw their compensation grow 10.6% from $103,696 in 2019 to $114,728 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $124,066 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leawood 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.
Maximizing Your Speech-Language Pathologist Earnings in Leawood
The diversity of services offered by experienced speech-language pathologists directly impacts compensation in Leawood. Those who specialize in pediatric autism, swallowing disorders, or augmentative communication can command higher salaries, as these areas typically require extensive training and skill. Compensation not only varies by specialization but also depends on the employment setting, with positions in medical facilities often offering greater pay than those in school districts, where over half of SLPs are employed. Career advancement paths such as becoming a clinic owner or district SLP coordinator can lead to further financial gains. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials like the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or board certifications can further enhance marketability and pay. Non-salary benefits, including the flexibility of telepractice and potential stipends for specialty certifications, add elements to overall remuneration that seasoned SLPs in Leawood should consider.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced speech-language pathologists make in Leawood in 2026?
What drives higher speech-language pathologist pay in Leawood?
What certifications boost speech-language pathologist salary in Leawood?
Can experienced speech-language pathologists make six figures in Leawood?
How much does speech-language pathologist salary increase over time in Leawood?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $114,728 for speech-language pathologists in the Leawood metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leawood 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