Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Oro Valley, AZ: $45.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Oro Valley, AZ runs $45.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,080 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Oro Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $45.24 for speech-language pathologists in Oro Valley, AZ in 2026, professionals in this field earn slightly less than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This rate is indicative of various employment options available in the area, including part-time and per-diem opportunities. For instance, working just three days a week at this hourly rate could provide part-time SLPs with approximately $35,000 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly pay range spans from $30.26 for entry-level positions to as much as $59.18 for top-tier earners, aligning with diverse clinical settings such as school therapy rooms, inpatient hospital facilities, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions.
About the Oro Valley Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.26 | $242.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.38 | $283.02 |
| Median (P50) | $45.24 | $361.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.86 | $414.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.18 | $473.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oro Valley
Based on $45.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.24/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oro Valley, AZ can expect to earn approximately $94,090 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,283. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oro Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oro Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,809.43 | $7,841 | $94,090 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,085.66 | $4,705 | $56,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.77 | $3,136 | $37,636 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Oro Valley) | $45.24 |
| 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 Oro Valley, AZ earn a median of $94,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.20% below the Arizona state average of $99,240.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.24/hr = $56,454/year (purchasing power: $57,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,090/year (purchasing power: $95,523).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Oro Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Oro Valley grew 23.7% from $35.17/hr (2019) to $43.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.04/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 Oro Valley 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 Oro Valley
Professionals choosing the per-diem route often find themselves in a different earnings reality. Many agencies and facilities offer rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized fields like medical speech-language pathology potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour, particularly in cash-based practices. Hourly compensation can also vary widely based on the type of employer in Oro Valley; for example, school districts typically offer consistent pay scales while medical facilities may provide higher wages due to the complexity of services offered. Some SLPs opt for lower-paying jobs with benefits like health insurance over higher hourly rates in freelance roles, creating a contrast between stability and earning potential. When negotiating pay, it’s crucial for speech-language pathologists to consider both the financial aspects and the benefits that accompany their positions, ensuring that they align with their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Oro Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Oro Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Oro Valley?
Are speech-language pathologists in Oro Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Oro Valley?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oro Valley?
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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 Oro Valley. 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 Oro Valley 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