Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $61.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fontana, CA runs $61.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Fontana's speech-language pathologist hourly pay in 2026 is projected at $61.70, significantly above the national median of $48.93. This higher rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in a region where part-time SLPs can thrive, often working three days a week in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For part-time or per-diem workers, the ability to earn between $36.47 and $87.46 per hour allows for flexibility while still providing a favorable income. This hourly estimate is derived from a comprehensive look at annual salary data, positioning those in Fontana well above many other regions, contributing to a solid overall work-life balance for professionals in this field.
About the Fontana 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) | $36.47 | $291.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.42 | $371.37 |
| Median (P50) | $61.70 | $493.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.65 | $589.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.46 | $699.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $61.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.70/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,037. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,467.89 | $10,694 | $128,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,480.73 | $6,417 | $76,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $987.16 | $4,278 | $51,332 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fontana) | $61.70 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $128,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.08% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 4.00% above the California state average of $123,386.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.70/hr = $76,998/year (purchasing power: $68,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,330/year (purchasing power: $113,466).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fontana grew 23.7% from $47.96/hr (2019) to $59.33/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.16/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Considering earning potential, a SLP working part-time for 24 hours a week in Fontana could expect to bring home approximately $64,000 annually, while full-time practitioners could earn significantly more. Per diem speech-language pathologists in the region typically bill between $50 to $75 per hour, with rates for medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia ranging between $80 and $110. Telepractice contracts can vary, generally offering $40 to $60, depending on caseload. The variability in hourly rates is influenced by the type of employer—school districts, hospitals, and private clinics all offer distinct pay scales. Additionally, many alongside higher hourly rates opt for positions that include benefits such as health insurance, which can influence their decision-making process. Negotiating hourly rates in Fontana may require an understanding of these dynamics, enabling professionals to balance immediate income needs against long-term security options.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fontana in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fontana?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Fontana?
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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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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