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Speech therapists, usually referred to as speech-language pathologists, are essential in helping people with communication difficulties develop their speaking and listening abilities. These specialists are in high demand in Iowa and often make a respectable wage.
The average pay for speech-language pathologists in Iowa is $77,390 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022) per year, with the top 10% making over $103,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These wages are a little bit more than the current $89,460 yearly national average.
The level of experience a speech-language pathologist has is one aspect that may affect their pay. Entry-level speech therapists often make less money, with an average starting pay of $60,000 for those just beginning their careers. The typical income for people who have worked in the sector for over ten years is $103,400 or more, although with experience, the pay can rise dramatically.
The cost of living in a particular area affects a speech-language pathologist’s pay. The bigger cities in Iowa often offer greater compensation, with speech therapists earning the highest average salaries in the state in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. However, although the cost of living is often cheaper, smaller cities and rural places also tend to offer lower earnings, which makes them an appealing option for some speech therapists.
The degree and qualifications a speech-language pathologist has can have an impact on their pay in addition to location and experience. Salary tends to be greater for speech-language pathologists with a Master’s degree or higher and certifications from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) than for individuals without these credentials.
Overall, speech-language pathologists in Iowa make a competitive wage, and they can anticipate income increases as they work toward their education and gain experience. Speech therapists are in high demand, so individuals just starting out in the industry should be secure in their job security and income potential.
Iowa Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in Iowa
Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of Iowa
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 130 | $68,860 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 150 | $73,660 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 270 | $75,970 |
| Dubuque, IA | 30 | $72,960 |
| Iowa City, IA | 80 | $75,300 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 60 | $69,870 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 100 | $69,460 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021 |
Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of Iowa
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 100 | $74,870 |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 90 | $75,000 |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 50 | $74,940 |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 140 | $77,880 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021 |
What is it like to work as an SLP in Iowa?
Depending on the city, a speech-language pathologist’s experiences in Iowa can vary greatly. The following describes the daily life of speech therapists in three separate Iowan cities:
Speech-language pathologists can work in a vibrant metropolitan setting in Des Moines, the state’s largest metropolis. Since there is a high need for speech therapists, there are many chances to work in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private clinics. The average pay for speech-language pathologists is higher in Des Moines than in other Iowan cities, but so is the cost of living.
Known for its effective healthcare system, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized city in Iowa. As a result, there are many employment prospects for speech-language pathologists at the region’s hospitals and clinics. Although living expenses are cheaper in Cedar Rapids than in Des Moines, speech therapists still earn a decent average wage.
Davenport: This city in southeast Iowa is well-known for its small-town atmosphere and close-knit population. However, there may be fewer chances than in other towns like Des Moines for speech-language pathologists in Davenport to work in hospitals, schools, and private offices. But Davenport has a lower cost of living than neighboring locations, so some speech therapists find it a desirable option.
In conclusion, speech-language pathologists in Iowa have a variety of experiences to choose from in each of these places. Everyone can find what they’re searching for in Iowa, whether they want a lively urban setting or a close-knit neighborhood. When picking where to work, it’s important to take your personal tastes and what matters most to you in a work environment into account.