📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$70,890
per year
Median
$68,126
per year
Hourly
$34.08
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$48,046
25th Percentile — Junior$59,689
50th Percentile — Median$68,126
75th Percentile — Senior$85,887
90th Percentile — Top Earners$95,084
💡 Top-earning Speech-Language Pathologists in Kentucky make up to $95,084 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$58.8k
2021
$61.1k
2022
$63.4k
2023
$65.8k
2024
$68.3k
2025
$70.9k
2026
📈 Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $59,548 -16.0% High
Lexington $59,548 -16.0% High
🔍
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Speech-Language Pathologists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $70,890 per year, Kentucky's Speech-Language Pathologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $48,046–$59,689, while experienced Speech-Language Pathologists can command $85,887–$95,084.

Looking ahead, the Speech-Language Pathologist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Kentucky is $70,890 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $85,410.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Speech-Language Pathologists the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Speech-Language Pathologist employment.
  • At $70,890/year, Kentucky Speech-Language Pathologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $85,410/year.