Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $59.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $59.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,039 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, CA, the projected median speech-language pathologist hourly pay stands at $59.33, markedly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive wage not only reflects the demand for skilled professionals in varied settings—such as school therapy rooms, hospital settings, and outpatient clinics—but also the city's elevated cost of living. Part-time SLPs working three days a week could find themselves earning a robust income, while the hourly pay range runs from $43.15 for entry-level positions to $77.66 for top earners. These figures are drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the robust job market available to speech-language pathologists in this vibrant coastal city.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.15 | $345.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.60 | $396.83 |
| Median (P50) | $59.33 | $474.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.35 | $562.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.66 | $621.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $59.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.33/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,192. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,373.05 | $10,283 | $123,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,423.83 | $6,170 | $74,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $949.22 | $4,113 | $49,359 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Santa Cruz) | $59.33 |
| 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 Cruz, CA earn a median of $123,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% higher than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.33/hr = $74,039/year (purchasing power: $67,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,399/year (purchasing power: $112,287).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz grew 24.4% from $45.87/hr (2019) to $57.05/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.69/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 Cruz 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 Cruz
For those exploring part-time options, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could earn substantial annual income, depending on specific roles and work settings. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz often charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical contexts, particularly dysphagia, can command $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice positions, which became increasingly common post-2020, may offer rates around $40 to $60, influenced by the caseload structure. Various employer types—such as school districts, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices—affect hourly rates significantly, with school settings generally providing lower wages compared to medical facilities. In negotiating hourly pay, understanding the trade-offs of benefits versus higher hourly rates is crucial, allowing SLPs to make informed career decisions that suit their financial and professional goals in Santa Cruz.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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