Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $49.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Phoenix, AZ runs $49.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,178 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Phoenix, Arizona, the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate that the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists is $49.02. This figure slightly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $48.93, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape for professionals in this field. For part-time and per-diem positions, often found in settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and hospital settings, this hourly pay translates to a significant income for those working three days a week. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in the city varies widely, starting at $34.87 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $65.63 for top earners, underscoring the opportunity for experienced clinicians to maximize their earnings across various modalities, including telepractice and in-person evaluations.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.87 | $278.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.50 | $324.03 |
| Median (P50) | $49.02 | $392.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.40 | $483.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.63 | $525.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $49.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.02/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $101,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,825. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.84 | $8,497 | $101,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.50 | $5,098 | $61,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.33 | $3,399 | $40,785 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Phoenix) | $49.02 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $101,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.70% above the Arizona state average of $99,271.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.02/hr = $61,178/year (purchasing power: $59,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,963/year (purchasing power: $98,691).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Phoenix grew 30.4% from $36.16/hr (2019) to $47.14/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.98/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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
The potential earnings for part-time speech-language pathologists in Phoenix can be substantial, particularly when considering various working arrangements. For instance, a clinician working 24 hours a week could realistically earn an annual income exceeding $61,000, depending on their hourly rate and caseload. Many per-diem or agency speech-language pathologists command rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical specialists focusing on dysphagia often earning between $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Given the variety of employment settings—such as school districts, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice agencies—the hourly rates can exhibit significant variation. Professionals in this field often face a choice between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance, impacting their overall work-life balance. Clinicians entering negotiations for hourly pay should consider factors such as total compensation, including benefits, flexibility in scheduling, and potential caseload expectations, to secure a favorable position in Phoenix's dynamic job market.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
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 Phoenix. 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