Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $58.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in San Clemente, CA runs $58.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is estimated at $58.99, surpassing the national median of $48.93 by a significant margin. This higher hourly rate creates a favorable situation for both part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists, who often find flexible working arrangements in various settings, such as schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. With an hourly range between $36.14 and $82.83, entry-level professionals can still earn a respectable wage while experienced SLPs working with specialized populations may command higher rates, illustrating the diverse opportunities available within the profession. The estimated hours for part-time work, generally around three days a week, can lead to enticing earnings for those balancing personal commitments alongside their careers.
About the San Clemente 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) | $36.14 | $289.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.38 | $379.02 |
| Median (P50) | $58.99 | $471.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.63 | $565.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.83 | $662.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $58.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.99/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $122,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,792. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,359.74 | $10,226 | $122,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,415.84 | $6,135 | $73,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.90 | $4,090 | $49,083 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (San Clemente) | $58.99 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $122,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.57% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.60% below the California state average of $123,453.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.99/hr = $73,624/year (purchasing power: $65,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,707/year (purchasing power: $108,494).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Clemente grew 23.7% from $45.86/hr (2019) to $56.73/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.35/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
Looking at earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working part-time for 24 hours a week could anticipate making around $61,000 annually, a comparison that may influence their career paths and job settings. Per diem speech-language pathologists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while those working in medical environments focusing on dysphagia may see rates ranging from $80 to $110. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types, from school districts to private practices, can greatly impact an SLP’s total income. For many, accepting a position with lower hourly pay might include benefits like health insurance, while those opting for higher pay may do so with the trade-off of fewer benefits. Practical advice for negotiating these rates in San Clemente includes understanding the local demand for services, being aware of the cost of living, and leveraging expertise or unique skill sets that can justify a higher hourly rate.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in San Clemente?
Are speech-language pathologists in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in San Clemente?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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