Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Iowa
Based on 2K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$81,050
$38.97/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $106K
2K employed in Iowa
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Iowa averages $81,050 annually, with approximately 1,540 professionals currently employed in the state. This median salary sits 11% below the national average, reflecting regional variations in healthcare compensation. Salaries typically range from $63,270 to $106,460 depending on individual circumstances and employment settings.
Several factors influence Speech-Language Pathologist compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and work setting—whether in schools, hospitals, or private practice. Geographic location within the state, caseload size, and employer type also play significant roles in determining individual salaries. Speech-language pathologists with specialized certifications or serving underserved rural areas may experience different earning potential than their counterparts in urban centers.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,270 |
| 25th percentile | $70,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,050 |
| 75th percentile | $95,970 |
| 90th percentile | $106,460 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,130 |
| 2023 | $78,460 |
| 2024 | $81,120 |
| 2025 | $81,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,050 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,130 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $78,460 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $81,120 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $81,050 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,050 | $91,314 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,460 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($81,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +429.4% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +400.0% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +357.0% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +339.3% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +264.3% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +249.3% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +236.9% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +227.2% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +223.8% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +124.0% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +71.3% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +66.4% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Iowa?
- Speech-language pathologists in Iowa earn a median salary of $81,050 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is about 11.2% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for speech-language pathologists in Iowa?
- The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Iowa spans from $63,270 at the lower end to $106,460 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many speech-language pathologists are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 1,540 speech-language pathologists employed in Iowa, representing the total workforce in this state for this profession.
Is the speech-language pathologist salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median salary of $81,050 for speech-language pathologists is 11.2% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession.