Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $54.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Los Angeles, CA runs $54.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,472 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $54.87. This figure notably surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.93, highlighting a lucrative opportunity for professionals in CA. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this can amount to significant annual earnings. In typical work settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital evaluations, and outpatient clinics, speech-language pathologists can expect an hourly range from $39.74 at the entry-level (P10) to $80.21 for top earners (P90). These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, indicate a competitive market in Los Angeles where professionals can capitalize on various work arrangements, including per-diem positions that allow for flexible scheduling.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.74 | $317.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.78 | $366.21 |
| Median (P50) | $54.87 | $438.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.68 | $533.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.21 | $641.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $54.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.87/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $114,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,838. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,194.60 | $9,510 | $114,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,316.76 | $5,706 | $68,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $877.84 | $3,804 | $45,648 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Los Angeles) | $54.87 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $114,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.13% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 7.50% below the California state average of $123,371.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.87/hr = $68,472/year (purchasing power: $60,292).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,119/year (purchasing power: $100,487).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Los Angeles grew 21.6% from $43.40/hr (2019) to $52.76/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.05/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Considering the earning potential, a part-time speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could average around $68,408 annually if employed at the median hourly rate. This can compare favorably to full-time salaries but also reflects a trade-off, especially when evaluating per-diem and agency work. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Los Angeles typically bill rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings, such as dysphagia assessments, may reach $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. Different employment sectors drive hourly rate disparities; school districts may offer lower compensation but stable hours and benefits, while private practices and telepractice agencies might provide higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating for higher hourly rates can hinge on presenting your experience effectively, articulating the value of your skill set, and weighing the importance of benefits against hourly pay, allowing speech-language pathologists to make informed career choices in a fast-evolving field.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Los Angeles in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Los Angeles?
Are speech-language pathologists in Los Angeles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Los Angeles?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Los Angeles?
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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 Los Angeles. 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