Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $60.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $60.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Clarita, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $60.62, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This favorable rate positions SLPs in the area well for part-time work, such as in school therapy sessions or outpatient clinic settings. A part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week may efficiently utilize this rate while engaging in diverse duties like bedside dysphagia evaluations or telepractice sessions. Hourly earnings for SLPs in the region can range from $38.64 at the entry-level to as much as $87.92 for seasoned professionals, reflecting estimates derived from annual salary data. This range allows for flexibility in employment, whether one chooses to work part-time or pursue per-diem opportunities across various settings.
About the Santa Clarita 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) | $38.64 | $309.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.90 | $383.18 |
| Median (P50) | $60.62 | $484.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.38 | $587.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.92 | $703.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $60.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.62/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,739. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,424.63 | $10,507 | $126,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,454.78 | $6,304 | $75,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $969.85 | $4,203 | $50,432 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Santa Clarita) | $60.62 |
| 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 Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $126,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.88% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.20% above the California state average of $123,360.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.62/hr = $75,648/year (purchasing power: $66,886).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,081/year (purchasing power: $111,477).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Santa Clarita grew 23.7% from $47.12/hr (2019) to $58.29/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.03/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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita
When discussing the earning potential of speech-language pathologists in Santa Clarita, it’s crucial to consider both part-time and per-diem arrangements. A professional working part-time, averaging 24 hours per week, could expect substantial annual earnings, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem speech-language pathologists typically charge between $50 to $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings, such as dysphagia assessments, can command rates from $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice opportunities, which have seen significant growth, typically offer $40 to $60 per hour depending on caseload. Various employer types—such as school districts, hospitals, and outpatient clinics—often provide differing hourly rates, reflecting the benefits versus pay trade-off. SLPs may leverage this flexibility during salary negotiations by clearly understanding their value and the unique demands of their respective roles, especially when balancing the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and benefits like health insurance.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Santa Clarita in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita 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