Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $59.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $59.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Santa Monica, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $59.96, significantly outpacing the national median of $48.93. This elevated rate highlights the competitive nature of this profession within this specific region, impacting part-time work, with clinicians typically employed for three days a week reaching approximately 24 hours. Such flexibility appeals to many, especially as SLPs operate in various settings like school therapy rooms, hospital wards for dysphagia evaluations, or outpatient clinics for articulation therapy. The hourly rate for Santa Monica SLPs ranges widely, from $38.30 at entry-level positions to $80.16 for top earners engaged in specialized roles. While these figures are estimates based on annual salary data, they reflect the crucial financial landscape for prospective and current speech-language pathologists in this California coastal city.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $59.96 | $479.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.37 | $554.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.16 | $641.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $59.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.96/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,953. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,398.43 | $10,393 | $124,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,439.06 | $6,236 | $74,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $959.37 | $4,157 | $49,887 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Santa Monica) | $59.96 |
| 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 Monica, CA earn a median of $124,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.54% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.10% above the California state average of $123,359.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.96/hr = $74,831/year (purchasing power: $66,163).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,718/year (purchasing power: $110,272).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Santa Monica (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 | $46.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Santa Monica grew 23.7% from $46.61/hr (2019) to $57.66/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.35/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 Santa Monica 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 Monica
Transitioning to part-time work often means a significant trade-off in earnings. For instance, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week would realize a lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, making careful budgeting essential. Per diem opportunities are appealing, with rates typically varying between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia might charge $80-$110 per hour, significantly boosting their take-home pay. The variation in hourly compensation across different employer types—such as school districts, hospitals, and private practices—adds another layer of complexity. Some SLPs might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which are often non-existent in freelance roles. When negotiating pay, it’s prudent for SLPs in Santa Monica to research local rates, consider caseload dynamics in telepractice, and emphasize their unique expertise to secure better compensation whether they are looking for full-time, part-time, or per diem positions in this competitive market.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Santa Monica 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 Monica. 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 Monica 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