Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $58.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Orange, CA runs $58.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orange, California, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $58.44, which is significantly above the national hourly median of $48.93. This disparity can create appealing opportunities for part-time therapists working three days a week in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. With hourly figures ranging from about $37.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $80.36 for the top earners, SLPs in Orange have the potential to significantly boost their earnings through flexible work arrangements, whether they engage in per-diem roles or full-time employment. These estimates are grounded in annual data projections, underlining the importance that hourly rates hold for professionals in this field.
About the Orange 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) | $37.06 | $296.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.43 | $355.48 |
| Median (P50) | $58.44 | $467.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.55 | $548.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.36 | $642.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $58.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.44/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,560 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,131. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,337.70 | $10,130 | $121,560 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,402.62 | $6,078 | $72,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $935.08 | $4,052 | $48,624 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Orange) | $58.44 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $121,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.43% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.50% below the California state average of $123,404.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.44/hr = $72,936/year (purchasing power: $64,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,560/year (purchasing power: $107,480).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Orange grew 23.7% from $45.43/hr (2019) to $56.20/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.77/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 Orange 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 Orange
For those considering part-time work in speech-language pathology in Orange, a three-day workweek totaling approximately 24 hours could lead to an annual income of around $67,000, a competitive figure that highlights the earning potential for part-time professionals. Moreover, per-diem speech-language pathologists often command hourly rates of $50-$75, particularly in schools and outpatient settings, while specialized medical SLPs—especially those focused on dysphagia—can secure rates up to $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. The variation in pay across employer types is significant; school districts typically offer lower hourly rates compared to hospitals and specialized clinics. When negotiating hourly pay, SLPs in Orange must weigh benefits against the opportunities for higher wages without health insurance. Clearly, understanding the competitive landscape, including factors like employer type and specialty, remains crucial for effective pay negotiations in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Orange. 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 Orange 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