Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $67.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $67.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,759 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, speech-language pathologists are projected to have a median hourly rate of $67.92 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This favorable pay reflects the demand for SLPs in various settings, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice, creating opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work. With an hourly pay range from $42.88 to $95.66, professionals may find flexible arrangements; for instance, a part-time SLP working three days a week could earn a substantial income while balancing their schedule. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating lucrative potential for those in the field, especially considering the unique challenges and benefits of the various work environments they encounter daily.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $42.88 | $343.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.96 | $423.70 |
| Median (P50) | $67.92 | $543.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.01 | $648.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.66 | $765.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $67.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.92/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,265 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,499. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,716.63 | $11,772 | $141,265 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,629.98 | $7,063 | $84,759 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,086.65 | $4,709 | $56,506 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Sunnyvale) | $67.92 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $141,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.79% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 14.50% above the California state average of $123,368.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.92/hr = $84,759/year (purchasing power: $74,942).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,265/year (purchasing power: $124,903).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sunnyvale grew 23.7% from $52.80/hr (2019) to $65.31/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.63/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
When examining the financial landscape for part-time speech-language pathologists, the potential earnings can lead to a considerable income. For example, a 24-hour work week could yield around $83,026 annually, which is competitive compared to full-time salaries. Many per-diem speech-language pathologists billing $50-$75/hr and medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia earning between $80-$110/hr underscore the lucrative nature of this practice area in Sunnyvale. However, work environments can greatly influence hourly rates; while school districts typically offer lower hourly compensation, they provide additional job security and benefits that might be less common in agency positions or private practice. Navigating this balance requires consideration, as some SLPs may accept lower hourly wages for the comprehensive benefits offered by school districts, while others prefer higher pay without the safety net of benefits. For those keen to maximize their earnings, negotiating favorable terms specific to their employment situations is crucial in the dynamic economy of Sunnyvale.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Sunnyvale?
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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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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