Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $55.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fresno, CA runs $55.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,237 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, the projected hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $55.48, notably exceeding the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This higher compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals across various settings, including school therapy rooms, hospital bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and telepractice sessions. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can translate into a significant income, while per-diem SLPs often find themselves earning on a flexible schedule, making the most of the hourly wage range which spans from $44.47 for entry-level positions up to approximately $93.18 for experienced practitioners. The official BLS estimates based on 2025 data, projected to 2026, underscore the competitive pay landscape for speech-language pathologists in Fresno.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.47 | $355.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.01 | $416.04 |
| Median (P50) | $55.48 | $443.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.55 | $532.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.18 | $745.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $55.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.48/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $115,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,574. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,219.15 | $9,616 | $115,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,331.49 | $5,770 | $69,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $887.66 | $3,847 | $46,158 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fresno) | $55.48 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $115,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.37% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.50% below the California state average of $123,409.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.48/hr = $69,237/year (purchasing power: $67,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,396/year (purchasing power: $112,958).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fresno grew 5.4% from $50.64/hr (2019) to $53.35/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.69/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
When considering the potential earnings of part-time speech-language pathologists in Fresno, the financial outcome for a clinician working 24 hours a week can shift dramatically. Employed part-time, an SLP might expect a net income considerably lower than a full-time counterpart, yet still competitive considering flexibility and lifestyle. Per diem speech-language pathologists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings for dysphagia evaluations may reach rates of $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice has also emerged as a viable option, with contracting rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour. Pay disparities across employer types are notable; school districts provide stability, while medical settings often offer higher compensation for specialized services. Consequently, many speech-language pathologists face a choice between lower hourly rates accompanied by benefits or higher pay without health insurance. For those navigating the hourly job market in Fresno, negotiation skills become paramount to maximizing earning potential while considering unique professional preferences.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fresno in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fresno?
Are speech-language pathologists in Fresno paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Fresno?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fresno?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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