Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$83,580
$40.18/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-8.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $134K
2K employed in Arkansas
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Arkansas averages $83,580 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 2,430 professionals employed in the state, this field represents a stable career option. However, Arkansas salaries run about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations across the country.
Compensation for speech-language pathologists in Arkansas varies significantly based on experience, credentials, and work setting. Urban areas typically offer higher pay than rural regions, while specialization in pediatric or medical speech pathology can command premium rates. Employment type—whether in schools, hospitals, private practice, or nursing facilities—also influences earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,250 |
| 25th percentile | $65,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,580 |
| 75th percentile | $112,140 |
| 90th percentile | $134,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for Speech-Language Pathologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Speech-Language Pathologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Speech-Language Pathologists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $120,440 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $106,080 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,370 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $103,240 | 4K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,810 | 98K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,270 |
| 2023 | $80,430 |
| 2024 | $79,800 |
| 2025 | $83,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,539 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,270 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $80,430 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $79,800 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $83,580 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,539 | $95,639 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $112,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,420 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($83,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +205.0% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +178.9% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +168.3% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +158.2% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +114.1% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +92.0% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +62.8% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +50.3% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +49.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +48.9% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +41.7% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +28.9% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for speech-language pathologists in Arkansas is $83,580 per year, or $40 per hour. This is approximately 8.5% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for speech-language pathologists in Arkansas?
- Speech-language pathologists in Arkansas earn between $56,250 and $134,420 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer type. This wide range reflects varying compensation across different healthcare and educational settings.
Is the speech-language pathologist salary in Arkansas competitive?
- Arkansas SLP salaries are slightly below the national average at $83,580 median, which is 8.5% lower than the national median. However, the state employs 2,430 speech-language pathologists, indicating a stable job market.
What can I expect to earn as a speech-language pathologist starting out in Arkansas?
- Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Arkansas typically start near the lower end of the salary range at approximately $56,250 annually. With experience and specialization, earnings can reach up to $134,420 at the top of the range.