Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 3K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$83,550
$40.17/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-8.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $121K
3K employed in Kentucky
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Kentucky averages $83,550 annually, with approximately 2,610 professionals currently employed in the state. This median falls about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. However, salaries in this field span considerably, ranging from $63,250 to $121,090 depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence earning potential for speech-language pathologists in Kentucky, including years of experience, credentials, and work setting. Professionals working in hospitals or specialized clinics typically earn more than those in schools or private practice. Geographic location within the state, patient population served, and whether a position is full-time or part-time also significantly impact compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,250 |
| 25th percentile | $70,250 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,550 |
| 75th percentile | $104,120 |
| 90th percentile | $121,090 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,490 |
| 2023 | $78,780 |
| 2024 | $82,910 |
| 2025 | $83,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,195 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,490 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $78,780 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $82,910 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $83,550 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,195 | $92,019 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,250 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $121,090 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($83,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +568.1% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +316.5% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +279.5% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +235.1% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +197.7% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +189.1% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +184.6% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +166.3% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +140.9% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +110.3% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +102.7% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +94.1% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Kentucky?
- Speech-language pathologists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $83,550 per year, or $40 per hour. This is approximately 8.5% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for SLPs working in Kentucky?
- The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Kentucky spans from $63,250 on the lower end to $121,090 on the higher end, reflecting variations based on experience, location, and employer type.
How many speech-language pathologists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 2,610 speech-language pathologists employed throughout Kentucky, representing a significant portion of the state's healthcare and education workforce.
Is the speech-language pathologist salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median SLP salary of $83,550 is slightly below the national average, falling 8.5% lower than what speech-language pathologists earn nationally.