Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $59.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in San Mateo, CA runs $59.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $59.95, significantly above the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate opens diverse opportunities for both part-time and per-diem professionals, who can be found working in various settings, such as therapy rooms in schools, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even telepractice sessions. New professionals entering the field will find hourly rates starting at approximately $35.64, while experienced practitioners may reach up to $85.38 per hour. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, making them a valuable metric for understanding the financial landscape of this essential profession in San Mateo.
About the San Mateo 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) | $35.64 | $285.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.69 | $389.50 |
| Median (P50) | $59.95 | $479.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.90 | $559.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.38 | $683.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $59.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.95/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,940. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,398.01 | $10,391 | $124,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,438.81 | $6,235 | $74,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $959.20 | $4,157 | $49,879 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (San Mateo) | $59.95 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $124,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.53% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.10% above the California state average of $123,347.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.95/hr = $74,818/year (purchasing power: $66,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,696/year (purchasing power: $110,253).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Mateo grew 23.7% from $46.61/hr (2019) to $57.65/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.34/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
Considering a part-time schedule of three days per week, an SLP working a total of 24 hours might earn around $77,160 per year, which is a viable option for those desiring a balanced work-life dynamic. The per-diem environment also offers flexibility; many SLPs working for agencies typically charge between $50-$75 an hour, while those specializing in medical settings may request rates between $80-$110 for dysphagia management. Furthermore, opportunities in different sectors in San Mateo exhibit variability in compensation; school districts may offer lower hourly rates but provide comprehensive benefits, while private practices or telehealth agencies often feature higher pay but lack full-time advantages. For candidates eyeing employment, emphasizing negotiation skills regarding hourly wages can lead to better pay. Understanding the compensation structure of different employer types is essential for making informed career choices in this competitive market.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in San Mateo?
Are speech-language pathologists in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in San Mateo?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in California
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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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