Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $59.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Carlsbad, CA runs $59.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,052 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, California, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $59.34 per hour, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This favorable pay scale benefits professionals working part-time in a variety of environments, such as school therapy rooms, hospital bedside assessments for dysphagia, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings. The hourly rates range from $38.91 for entry-level positions to $83.58 for experienced practitioners and top earners in the field. Such compensation reflects the evolving needs of the community and the demand for qualified speech-language pathologists in a range of settings, whether they engage in push-in or pull-out therapy strategies or specialized assessments in medical facilities.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from California average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.91 | $311.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.28 | $370.20 |
| Median (P50) | $59.34 | $474.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.78 | $566.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.58 | $668.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $59.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.34/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,420 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,204. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,373.47 | $10,285 | $123,420 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,424.08 | $6,171 | $74,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $949.39 | $4,114 | $49,368 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Carlsbad) | $59.34 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $123,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% higher than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.34/hr = $74,052/year (purchasing power: $65,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,420/year (purchasing power: $109,125).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Carlsbad grew 23.7% from $46.13/hr (2019) to $57.06/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.70/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Examining the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists reveals that a clinician working three days per week can take home a substantial income, with earnings accumulated from 24 hours of work a week translating into decent annual income, albeit less than a full-time position. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Carlsbad typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia can earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash practices. Telepractice contracts vary within a range of $40 to $60 per hour depending on factors like caseload and structure. Hourly rates differ based on employer types, with school districts providing stability and benefits, while hospitals and outpatient clinics often offer higher pay but may lack comprehensive health insurance options. As such, negotiating for hourly rates that align with experience and preferences, especially in a city as vibrant as Carlsbad, requires an understanding of these variables and the local market dynamic.
More salary data for Carlsbad, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Carlsbad?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Carlsbad?
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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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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