Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $51.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Anchorage, AK runs $51.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,120 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,267 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Anchorage, the landscape for speech-language pathologist hourly pay reflects a median rate of $51.50, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.93. This rate offers significant earning potential for those pursuing part-time positions, especially for professionals working three days a week in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or through telepractice. For speech-language pathologists in these roles, the hourly pay translates into a flexible work schedule that can accommodate various therapeutic environments, including inpatient evaluations at hospitals or rehabilitation facilities. Those just starting in the field can expect hourly pay to start from $40.74, while experienced professionals may earn up to $62.98 per hour, showcasing the diverse pay scale attributed to experience and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.74 | $325.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.35 | $346.83 |
| Median (P50) | $51.50 | $411.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.73 | $421.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.98 | $503.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $51.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.50/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $107,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,795. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,059.83 | $8,926 | $107,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,235.90 | $5,356 | $64,267 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $823.93 | $3,570 | $42,845 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Anchorage) | $51.50 |
| 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 Anchorage, AK earn a median of $107,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.25% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $107,984.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.50/hr = $64,267/year (purchasing power: $60,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,111/year (purchasing power: $101,604).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Anchorage grew 14.2% from $43.37/hr (2019) to $49.52/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.55/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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage
For a speech-language pathologist working part-time, such as 24 hours per week, the annual income can be substantial, though less than full-time earnings. Part-time professionals often find themselves balancing roles that affect their net income; however, they may prefer these schedules for work-life balance. Per-diem positions, commonly utilized by SLPs, typically command rates between $50 to $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour in specialty practices. The variations in hourly pay are also influenced by employment settings—schools may offer lower rates compared to hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, which might adjust compensation based on the benefits package offered or health insurance coverage. For those negotiating work in Anchorage, knowing the distinct hourly rates associated with different employer types and having clarity on the available benefits can lead to wiser career choices in this field.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Anchorage in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Anchorage?
Are speech-language pathologists in Anchorage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Anchorage?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Anchorage?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
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 Anchorage. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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