Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $82,147 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $82,147, which is $2,679 above the Iowa state average of $79,468. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Des Moines spans from $55,384 at the 10th percentile to $117,760 at the 90th percentile — a $62,376 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,040, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $57,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,040

$-4,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,400

$-9,600 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$55,384	$53,578	$60,200
25th Percentile	$67,160	$64,970	$73,000
Median (50th)	$82,147	$79,468	$89,290
75th Percentile	$99,360	$96,120	$108,000
90th Percentile	$117,760	$113,920	$128,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$55,384

25th Percentile

$67,160

Median (50th)

$82,147

75th Percentile

$99,360

90th Percentile

$117,760

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Des Moines

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $82,147 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $55,384 (10th percentile) to $117,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,147, a speech-language pathologist in Des Moines earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Des Moines's median speech-language pathologist salary of $82,147 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $79,468. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $82,147 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Des Moines? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Des Moines require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa