Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $61.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fairfield, CA runs $61.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,336 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $61.17, significantly above the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate translates into substantial earning potential for those who choose part-time work; for example, a professional working three days a week could earn nearly $46,000 annually based on a consistent weekly schedule. Per-diem opportunities, which are prevalent in various settings such as schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, also present diverse compensation scenarios. The hourly pay range in Fairfield ranges from $38.30 for entry-level positions to $83.39 for highly experienced specialists, reflecting the variation in demand and expertise required in environments such as dysphagia evaluations and telepractice sessions. Overall, these figures demonstrate that Fairfield's market offers appealing options for both full-time and part-time speech-language pathologists.
About the Fairfield 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) | $38.30 | $306.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.51 | $380.10 |
| Median (P50) | $61.17 | $489.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.46 | $571.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.39 | $667.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $61.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.17/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,227 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,400. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,446.68 | $10,602 | $127,227 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,468.01 | $6,361 | $76,336 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $978.67 | $4,241 | $50,891 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fairfield) | $61.17 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $127,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.01% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.10% above the California state average of $123,400.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.17/hr = $76,336/year (purchasing power: $67,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,227/year (purchasing power: $112,491).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairfield grew 23.7% from $47.55/hr (2019) to $58.82/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.61/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Analyzing this further reveals a complex dynamic for part-time speech-language pathologists in Fairfield. Those committing to a 24-hour workweek can expect a take-home income that comfortably supports a solid lifestyle, though it typically falls short of full-time earnings. Per-diem roles often allow for greater flexibility and can pay anywhere from $50 to $75 an hour, depending on the specific setting. In medical contexts, especially for SLPs focusing on dysphagia, hourly rates spike, reaching between $80 to $110 in cash practices. Understanding the labor landscape is crucial, as school districts—employing about 55% of SLPs—tend to offer more predictable hours, whereas private practices might offer higher pay with fewer benefits. Professionals need to weigh the security of employment benefits against the allure of higher hourly wages, and those negotiating rates should consider factors like caseload management and the unique requirements of various employers in the area.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairfield in 2026?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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