Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arkansas

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Arkansas is $73,218 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $89,290.

Median Salary
$73,218
vs National
$-16,072
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist compensation. Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,218 per year, speech-language pathologists in Arkansas earn $16,072 less than the national median of $89,290.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $73,218 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $87,164 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: speech-language pathologists at the 10th percentile earn $49,364, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $104,960 — a $55,596 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $76,789.

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $50,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,400 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,840
$-11,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,800
$-16,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,400
$-21,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $49,364
25th Percentile $59,860
Median (50th) $73,218
75th Percentile $88,560
90th Percentile $104,960

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for speech-language pathologists in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Arkansas

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Arkansas is $73,218 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $104,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,218, a speech-language pathologist in Arkansas earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for speech-language pathologists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level speech-language pathologists earn $50,840, while senior professionals earn $98,400.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for speech-language pathologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for speech-language pathologists is Hawaii at $158,936. Arkansas's median of $73,218 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($77,682) and Oklahoma ($75,004).
What is the entry-level speech-language pathologist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level speech-language pathologist in Arkansas earns approximately $50,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,400.
What city in Arkansas pays speech-language pathologists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for speech-language pathologists, with a median salary of $76,789. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.