Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $34.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $34.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is projected to be $34.58. This rate falls significantly below the national hourly median of $48.93, indicating that SLPs in this region may earn less compared to their counterparts across the country. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into potential earnings that vary significantly based on experience and setting. Entry-level SLPs may find themselves earning closer to the lower end of the hourly range at $22.84, while experienced professionals, especially those in specialized roles, can earn up to $46.18. The settings in which these therapists work—ranging from school therapy rooms and outpatient clinics to telepractice—can further influence earnings, as each environment may offer different payment structures and expectations.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $22.84 | $182.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.57 | $220.54 |
| Median (P50) | $34.58 | $276.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.14 | $321.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.18 | $369.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $34.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.58/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $71,919 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,492. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,383.07 | $5,993 | $71,919 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $829.84 | $3,596 | $43,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.23 | $2,397 | $28,768 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Vestavia Hills) | $34.58 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $71,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.34% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $74,912.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.58/hr = $43,152/year (purchasing power: $49,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,919/year (purchasing power: $81,820).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Vestavia Hills grew 23.7% from $26.88/hr (2019) to $33.25/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.96/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Looking at the earning potential from a practical standpoint, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week at the $34.58 hourly rate can expect to take home around $43,429 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time SLPs earning higher yearly totals. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Vestavia Hills brings different dynamics to the earnings table, as these professionals frequently bill between $50 to $75 per hour, particularly in acute care settings where medical expertise is in demand. Telepractice opportunities, which have gained traction especially since the pandemic, can yield $40 to $60 per hour depending on workload and patient demographics. Variations in hourly rates also reflect employer types in the area: school districts typically offer lower compensation than hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Speech-language pathologists may find a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance, with many accepting lower hourly duties in schools for the stability of benefits. When negotiating pay in Vestavia Hills, clarity on job expectations and workload structure can greatly influence offers and should be approached with informed determination.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Vestavia Hills?
Are speech-language pathologists in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
Related Pages
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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