Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $59.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Stockton, CA runs $59.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.1, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,039 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Stockton, California, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $59.33, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This robust rate supports both full-time and part-time roles, including those working three days a week in various settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. The hourly pay range for this profession spans from $42.76 at entry-level positions up to $73.88 for top earners. Such earnings provide a solid foundation for professionals, particularly in Stockton, where the demand for speech-language pathologists continues to grow. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.76 | $342.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.75 | $413.96 |
| Median (P50) | $59.33 | $474.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.31 | $522.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.88 | $591.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
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 Stockton, 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 105.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| 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 (Stockton) | $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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $123,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.24% 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: $70,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,399/year (purchasing power: $117,423).
CoL index: 105.089 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.05/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 Stockton grew 29.1% from $44.19/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
Engaging in part-time as a speech-language pathologist in Stockton, where many practitioners work roughly 24 hours a week, can lead to an annual income that differs greatly from that of their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles present varied pay, often between $50 and $75 hourly, with specialized medical SLPs treating dysphagia capable of commanding $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. Telepractice opportunities generally offer a slightly lower pay scale, from $40 to $60 per hour depending on caseload structure. Pay varies across different employer types in Stockton, with public school districts typically offering stable salaries contrasted with the higher hourly rates in medical settings or private practices. While some speech-language pathologists might accept lower hourly wages for the stability of health insurance benefits, others may choose to prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating pay, understanding the pay structures for various roles in Stockton can help ensure equitable compensation reflective of their skills and experience.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Stockton in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Stockton?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Stockton?
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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 Stockton. 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