Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $65.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Boulder, CO runs $65.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,124 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $65.80, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate can benefit part-time workers and those in per-diem setups, often working in diverse environments such as school therapy rooms, hospital settings for dysphagia evaluations, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level professionals might earn around $45.35 per hour, while top earners can command $83.89, depending on their experience and specialization. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected for 2026, highlights that the speech-language pathologist hourly rate in Boulder not only reflects the high demand for these professionals but also indicates the cost of living in the area, which is above the national average.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.35 | $362.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.40 | $435.18 |
| Median (P50) | $65.80 | $526.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.72 | $669.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.89 | $671.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $65.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.80/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $136,874 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,966. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,632.19 | $11,406 | $136,874 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,579.32 | $6,844 | $82,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.88 | $4,562 | $54,750 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Boulder) | $65.80 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $136,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.48% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 19.30% above the Colorado state average of $114,729.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.80/hr = $82,124/year (purchasing power: $78,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,874/year (purchasing power: $130,106).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Boulder grew 54.5% from $40.95/hr (2019) to $63.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.43/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
For a speech-language pathologist working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate typically translates to a substantial annual take-home compared to a full-time position. Part-time roles, especially in school districts that employ around 55% of SLPs, allow for flexibility but may offer lower total benefits compared to full-time positions with health insurance. Per diem opportunities are much sought after in this field, with pay rates for SLPs ranging from $50 to $75 per hour; medical specialists treating dysphagia can earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash practices. Telepractice roles, a growing area since 2020, offer flexibility but generally range from $40 to $60 per hour based on caseload and contract structure. SLPs in Boulder should be aware that while some positions offer higher hourly wages, they may lack benefits, creating a trade-off that requires careful consideration when negotiating employment terms.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 Boulder. 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