Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $59.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $59.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,806 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, CA, a speech-language pathologist earns a median hourly rate of $59.14, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This competitive pay allows for flexible options for professionals, such as part-time positions, typically around three days a week, enabling them to balance personal commitments while still earning a decent income. For per-diem work, which is common in various settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions, the hourly compensation for entry-level SLPs starts at approximately $36.52, while top earners can make up to $83.33 per hour. Given this range, the financial opportunities in Lake Elsinore are notable, supporting licensed professionals aiming to optimize their schedules and potential earnings.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $36.52 | $292.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.41 | $363.30 |
| Median (P50) | $59.14 | $473.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.48 | $539.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.33 | $666.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $59.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.14/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,967. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,365.56 | $10,251 | $123,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,419.34 | $6,150 | $73,806 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $946.23 | $4,100 | $49,204 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lake Elsinore) | $59.14 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $123,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.87% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.30% below the California state average of $123,386.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.14/hr = $73,806/year (purchasing power: $65,257).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,009/year (purchasing power: $108,762).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lake Elsinore grew 23.7% from $45.97/hr (2019) to $56.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.50/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Considering the realities of part-time work, a speech-language pathologist in Lake Elsinore working a standard 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $73,000 annually, contrasting with the higher earnings of those in full-time roles, who often receive additional benefits, including health insurance. Per-diem and agency speech-language pathologists generally bill between $50 and $75 an hour, while medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia can command rates of $80 to $110 per hour in private practice. Telepractice positions usually offer $40 to $60 per hour based on their caseload structure. Employment in diverse settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practices, influences these hourly rates significantly. Speech-language pathologists in Lake Elsinore must weigh the benefits of benefits packages versus higher hourly wages, staying informed during negotiations to achieve the best outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed career decisions in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lake Elsinore in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Lake Elsinore?
Are speech-language pathologists in Lake Elsinore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Lake Elsinore?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Elsinore?
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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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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