Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $59.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $59.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,826 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,299 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the vibrant city of Huntington Beach, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in 2026 stands at $59.53, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This strong hourly rate offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem professionals in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even telepractice sessions. For those working part-time, such as a three-day workweek, the potential weekly earnings could make for a comfortable lifestyle. Entry-level SLPs can expect to earn around $39.40 per hour, while top earners in the field may see rates reaching up to $86.13, providing a clear trajectory for advancement.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $39.40 | $315.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.85 | $382.77 |
| Median (P50) | $59.53 | $476.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.90 | $551.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.13 | $689.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $59.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.53/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,441. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,381.37 | $10,319 | $123,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,428.82 | $6,192 | $74,299 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $952.55 | $4,128 | $49,533 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Huntington Beach) | $59.53 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $123,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.67% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.30% above the California state average of $123,456.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.53/hr = $74,299/year (purchasing power: $65,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,831/year (purchasing power: $109,488).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Huntington Beach grew 23.7% from $46.28/hr (2019) to $57.25/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.91/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Considering the part-time earnings in Huntington Beach, an SLP working 24 hours a week might earn an estimated annual income around $74,604, while a full-time colleague could secure approximately $123,826 annually. Per-diem or agency SLPs often bill rates between $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning between $80 and $110 in cash practices. Telepractice roles, increasingly popular post-2020, can see hourly contracts ranging from $40 to $60 depending on caseload structures. Hourly pay varies significantly across employer types; school districts may offer lower rates compared to hospitals and outpatient clinics. While some SLPs opt for roles that provide health benefits at lower hourly rates, others may pursue higher pay with independent contracts that come devoid of benefits. Understanding the negotiation landscape in Huntington Beach is essential for securing roles that align with both financial goals and desired employment situations.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Huntington Beach?
Are speech-language pathologists in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Huntington Beach?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?
Related Pages
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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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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