Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $58.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Modesto, CA runs $58.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,429 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,858 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those working as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Modesto, California can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $58.38. This figure significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $48.93, showcasing the competitive compensation landscape in California. For SLPs operating in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and hospital environments, this hourly rate translates to valuable earnings, particularly for part-time or per-diem workers. For those who might work three days a week, the variation in SLP earnings can be influenced by experience, specialization, and the hourly range, which spans from $44.68 for entry-level positions to as high as $84.22 for seasoned professionals.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.68 | $357.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.63 | $405.06 |
| Median (P50) | $58.38 | $467.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.16 | $529.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.22 | $673.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $58.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.38/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,430 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,056. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,335.20 | $10,119 | $121,430 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,401.12 | $6,072 | $72,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $934.08 | $4,048 | $48,572 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Modesto) | $58.38 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $121,429 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.31% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.60% below the California state average of $123,404.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.38/hr = $72,858/year (purchasing power: $69,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,430/year (purchasing power: $116,639).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Modesto grew 18.0% from $47.59/hr (2019) to $56.14/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.71/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Within Modesto's health and education sectors, part-time speech-language pathologists working a typical 24-hour week can anticipate an annual income that remains appealing, though less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem and agency speech-language pathologists find a robust market, often billing rates between $50-$75 per hour, while medical SLPs focused on dysphagia may see rates ranging from $80-$110 in specialized cash practices. Telepractice contracts, a growing trend since 2020, generally range from $40-$60 per hour, depending on the structure of the caseload. Notably, hourly pay can vary across employer types: school districts may offer stability but often with lower benefits, while private practices or teletherapy might pay a premium. SLPs weighing the benefits versus hourly pay often have to make calculated decisions about securing health insurance versus seeking higher wages without benefits. For those in Modesto, negotiating rate can also depend on the unique demands and funding structures of schools, hospitals, and private practices in the region.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Modesto?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Modesto?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. 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