Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Speech-Language Pathologists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $95,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $101,660, a common occurrence in regions with a balanced cost of living. Local market dynamics and demand within the specific healthcare and education sectors of Iowa contribute to this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $95,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,890.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a workforce of 340 Speech-Language Pathologists. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these professionals is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated market. The presence of 0.839 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for SLP services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-6.3%below the national average.
$45.8
$1,831
$7,936
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing awareness of speech and language disorders and an aging population requiring rehabilitative services. This trend is likely reflected in the local market, with compensation adjustments keeping pace with inflation and evolving professional standards.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,620 | $31.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $71,423 | $34.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $95,910 | $46.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $119,038 | $57.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $121,890 | $58.6 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$95,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$95,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $95,230 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an SLP's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering relocation.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.839
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may be less competitive for job seekers, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified professionals to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $86,360↓ 9% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $78,290↓ 18% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $82,650↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $81,230↓ 15% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $84,900↓ 11% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $95,230. This typically ranges from $65,620 for entry-level positions to $121,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 6.3% lower than the national median of $101,660.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Speech-Language Pathologists?
Yes, it offers good value.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The stable job market further supports its appeal.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($86,360) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines SLP salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $95,230, which is approximately $6,430 less than the national average of $101,660.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines for SLPs?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national average.
Is there high demand for Speech-Language Pathologists in Des Moines?
With 0.839 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient below 1.0, there is a steady demand for SLPs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, though the market is not as concentrated as the national average.
How many Speech-Language Pathologists work in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area employs approximately 340 Speech-Language Pathologists.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.839 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Speech-Language Pathologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA