Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $59.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Pasadena, CA runs $59.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,610 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $59.78, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This elevated rate reflects the cost of living in the area and indicates that many positions provide appealing compensation for professionals in this field. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate translates into a substantial take-home pay, especially in the diverse settings that include school therapy rooms, outpatient clinic articulation spaces, and telepractice. Hourly earnings for entry-level positions start at approximately $38.30, while seasoned professionals can potentially earn up to $84.78. These figures are based on annual salary estimates, highlighting the value of hourly work for those looking to balance career flexibility with financial stability.
About the Pasadena 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) | $38.30 | $306.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.05 | $376.36 |
| Median (P50) | $59.78 | $478.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.84 | $574.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.78 | $678.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $59.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.78/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,350 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,741. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,391.35 | $10,363 | $124,350 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,434.81 | $6,218 | $74,610 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $956.54 | $4,145 | $49,740 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Pasadena) | $59.78 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $124,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.18% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% above the California state average of $123,357.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.78/hr = $74,610/year (purchasing power: $65,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,350/year (purchasing power: $109,947).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Pasadena grew 23.7% from $46.48/hr (2019) to $57.49/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.17/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
For a speech-language pathologist working part-time at 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can be notably attractive compared to full-time salaries. Many per-diem speech-language pathologists in Pasadena find billing rates between $50 and $75, while those specializing in medical settings, particularly dysphagia evaluations, command rates of $80 to $110. Telepractice contracts, which gained popularity post-2020, generally range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on caseload. Earnings can also vary significantly across different employer types, such as school districts—where about 55% of practitioners are employed—and medical facilities, which tend to offer higher rates. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the trade-offs is essential; some may choose slightly lower rates for the added benefits of healthcare, while others might prioritize a higher hourly rate without benefits. Knowledge of local market rates and strong negotiation skills can greatly influence career satisfaction and financial security in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Pasadena?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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