Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $33.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Pelham, AL runs $33.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,568 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the anticipated speech-language pathologist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $33.31, a figure notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This difference illustrates the regional pay dynamics, particularly for professionals in various practice settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a flexible and sustainable income, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life. The hourly wage ranges from $23.40 for entry-level practitioners to around $42.66 for more experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Pelham, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and responsibilities one might encounter in the field.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.40 | $187.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.48 | $219.88 |
| Median (P50) | $33.31 | $266.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.88 | $303.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.66 | $341.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $33.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.31/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $69,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,970. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,332.32 | $5,773 | $69,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $799.39 | $3,464 | $41,568 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.93 | $2,309 | $27,712 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Pelham) | $33.31 |
| Audiologist (National Avg) | $43.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| School / Educational Counselor (National Avg) | $30.85 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $31.40 |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Pelham, AL earn a median of $69,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.93% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $74,891.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.31/hr = $41,568/year (purchasing power: $47,291).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,281/year (purchasing power: $78,818).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Pelham grew 23.7% from $25.89/hr (2019) to $32.03/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Speech-Language Pathologist in Pelham
Considering part-time arrangements, a speech-language pathologist in Pelham working 24 hours a week could expect to earn approximately $41,969 annually, a substantial difference compared to those in full-time roles who typically secure additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Per diem opportunities also present a viable option for SLPs, as these positions can range from $50 to $75 an hour, depending on the complexity and nature of the work. Medical specialties, especially those focused on dysphagia, might even command rates between $80 and $110 per hour. Individual clinics, schools, and medical institutions offer differing compensation structures, highlighting the need for strategic negotiation. Some SLPs may choose lower hourly rates for the advantages of stable employment and benefits, while others focus on maximizing hourly pay, especially in telepractice roles where independence is often prioritized.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for speech-language pathologists in Pelham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pelham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov