Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Visalia, CA: $53.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Visalia, CA runs $53.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Visalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,616 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Visalia, California, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $53.38, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This rate indicates a favorable earning potential for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who often work in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. More specifically, per-diem speech-language pathologists can find themselves earning between $34.63 and $75.84 hourly, depending on their experience and specific roles. This official BLS data underscores the attractive compensation for SLPs in Visalia, particularly for those engaged in specialized areas like hospital dysphagia evaluations or early intervention programs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.63 | $277.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.86 | $318.87 |
| Median (P50) | $53.38 | $427.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.88 | $511.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.84 | $606.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Visalia
Based on $53.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.38/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Visalia, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,054. With a cost-of-living index of 99.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Visalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Visalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,135.12 | $9,252 | $111,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,281.07 | $5,551 | $66,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $854.05 | $3,701 | $44,411 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Visalia) | $53.38 |
| 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 Visalia, CA earn a median of $111,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.08% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 10.00% below the California state average of $123,355.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.38/hr = $66,616/year (purchasing power: $66,733).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,026/year (purchasing power: $111,221).
CoL index: 99.825 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Visalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Visalia grew 41.0% from $36.41/hr (2019) to $51.33/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.51/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 Visalia 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 Visalia
For part-time speech-language pathologists working roughly three days a week, the financial picture begins to take shape with an annual take-home income that could comfortably complement full-time earnings, offering flexibility and balance. Per-diem arrangements often serve as a lucrative option, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings may command even higher pay, from $80 to $110 per hour during dysphagia evaluations. This variability in hourly pay reflects the diverse employer types in Visalia, from school districts to skilled nursing facilities and telepractice agencies. Although higher hourly wages in settings like private practice lack benefits, they can be attractive for SLPs looking for flexibility. Negotiating hourly rates in this market can also be strategic; understanding the average compensation across various settings enables professionals to request fair remuneration based on their specific expertise and circumstances, making hourly engagement a viable career choice in Visalia.
More salary data for Visalia, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Visalia in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Visalia?
Are speech-language pathologists in Visalia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Visalia?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Visalia?
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 Visalia. 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