Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in Independence, MO: $40,800 (2026)

Speech Therapy Assistant Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median speech therapy assistant salary of $40,800, which is $1,440 below the Missouri state average of $42,240. Compared to the national median of $48,000, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $40,800 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for speech therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech therapy assistants in Independence spans from $27,200 at the 10th percentile to $62,900 at the 90th percentile — a $35,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,900, while senior speech therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,500. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level speech therapy assistant earns around $28,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,900

$-5,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,650

$-7,350 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,500

$-10,500 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$27,200	$28,160	$32,000
25th Percentile	$32,300	$33,440	$38,000
Median (50th)	$40,800	$42,240	$48,000
75th Percentile	$52,700	$54,560	$62,000
90th Percentile	$62,900	$65,120	$74,000

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$27,200

25th Percentile

$32,300

Median (50th)

$40,800

75th Percentile

$52,700

90th Percentile

$62,900

How to Become a Speech Therapy Assistant in Independence

Education

Most speech therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Independence and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech TherapyPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationPatienceTherapy Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in Independence

How much does a Speech Therapy Assistant make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median speech therapy assistant salary in Independence, Missouri is $40,800 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $48,000. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $62,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech Therapy Assistant make per hour in Independence? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,800, a speech therapy assistant in Independence earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for speech therapy assistant pay? ▼

Independence's median speech therapy assistant salary of $40,800 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $42,240. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a speech therapy assistant salary of $40,800 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech therapy assistant in Independence? ▼

Most speech therapy assistant positions in Independence require a associate's degree. Key skills include Speech Therapy, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.

Speech Therapy Assistant Salary in Independence, Missouri