Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $60.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Downey, CA runs $60.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,961 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay stands at a compelling $60.06, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This attractive rate makes it feasible for SLPs considering part-time work, where a typical schedule of three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could yield a substantial income while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem positions also attract professionals in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice sessions. Entry-level speech-language pathologists might start at an hourly rate of $35.70, while experienced professionals can earn up to $85.94 an hour, reflecting a diverse earning potential within this field.
About the Downey 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) | $35.70 | $285.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.62 | $380.94 |
| Median (P50) | $60.06 | $480.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.44 | $579.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.94 | $687.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $60.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.06/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,078. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,402.58 | $10,411 | $124,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,441.55 | $6,247 | $74,961 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.03 | $4,164 | $49,974 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Downey) | $60.06 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $124,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.76% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.30% above the California state average of $123,340.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.06/hr = $74,961/year (purchasing power: $66,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,934/year (purchasing power: $110,464).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Downey grew 23.7% from $46.69/hr (2019) to $57.76/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.46/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 Downey 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 Downey
Part-time speech-language pathologists in Downey can take home a solid income annually, estimated well over $75,000 for those working just three days a week. In contrast, per diem speech-language pathologists often operate on different pay scales, billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command rates as high as $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice opportunities are also flourishing, with pay ranging from $40 to $60 per hour depending on the work structure. Weekly earnings can vary widely based on employment type—schools, hospitals, and clinics each have distinct compensation models. While some SLPs opt for lower pay within schools for stability and benefits, others choose higher hourly rates that come without those perks. For those negotiating hourly pay in Downey, emphasizing clinical expertise or specialized skills can strengthen their position—an essential strategy given the competitive market for speech-language pathologists in both school and medical settings.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Downey?
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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 Downey. 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 Downey 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