Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Elk Grove, CA: $60.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Elk Grove, CA runs $60.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,272 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Elk Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk Grove, California, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is projected at $60.23 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This relatively lucrative hourly rate allows for substantial earning potential, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers who often operate in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For those working only three days a week, the hourly compensation can make an appealing difference in their financial stability, while the pay rates span from $36.23 for entry-level positions to $82.42 for seasoned professionals. Moreover, these figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the variations that hourly employment entails in a city that values educational and therapeutic support.
About the Elk Grove 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) | $36.23 | $289.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.66 | $365.30 |
| Median (P50) | $60.23 | $481.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.56 | $564.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.42 | $659.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk Grove
Based on $60.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.23/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,277. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elk Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,409.24 | $10,440 | $125,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,445.54 | $6,264 | $75,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $963.70 | $4,176 | $50,112 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Elk Grove) | $60.23 |
| 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 Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $125,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.09% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.50% above the California state average of $123,420.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.23/hr = $75,168/year (purchasing power: $66,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,280/year (purchasing power: $110,770).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Elk Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Elk Grove grew 23.7% from $46.82/hr (2019) to $57.92/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.63/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 Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove
Focusing on part-time employment in Elk Grove, a speech-language pathologist working three days per week, totalling around 24 hours, might generate an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still competitive given the local cost of living. Per-diem or locum speech-language pathologists often charge between $50 and $75 per hour in educational settings, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia commanding even higher rates, potentially reaching up to $110 hourly in cash practices. Different employer types, including school districts, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, also influence rates, with schools typically offering more stable positions, albeit sometimes at lower hourly pay compared to private practices which may provide higher yet less reliable earnings without benefits. Negotiating effectively in Elk Grove involves understanding one's worth while also weighing the value of benefits and job security against potential higher rates. For SLPs entering the workforce or transitioning into new roles, knowing these dynamics can prove essential in achieving the best financial outcomes.
More salary data for Elk Grove, CA:
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 Elk Grove. 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 Elk Grove 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