Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $51.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Durango, CO runs $51.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist stands at $51.70, surpassing the national average of $48.93. This hourly wage indicates a promising opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals in various settings, including school therapy environments, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice. For part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week, this competitive rate allows for a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly wage for SLPs in Durango ranges from $37.47 for entry-level positions to $67.61 for experienced professionals. Such estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, providing insight into the financial viability of careers in this critical field across different employment sectors.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.47 | $299.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.50 | $347.99 |
| Median (P50) | $51.70 | $413.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.60 | $460.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.61 | $540.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $51.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.70/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $107,544 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,045. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,068.15 | $8,962 | $107,544 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,240.89 | $5,377 | $64,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $827.26 | $3,585 | $43,018 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Durango) | $51.70 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $107,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $114,767.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.70/hr = $64,526/year (purchasing power: $61,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,544/year (purchasing power: $102,423).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Durango grew 23.7% from $40.19/hr (2019) to $49.72/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.77/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 Durango 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 Durango
For those considering a part-time position, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours weekly could expect to earn a meaningful income, significantly shaping their annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem speech-language pathologists often see billable rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical roles focusing on dysphagia can command even higher rates, reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Telepractice contracts, a growing segment since 2020, typically range from $40 to $60 per hour based on case volume. It's also important to recognize how hourly rates differ across employer types in Durango; school districts, healthcare facilities, and private practices each offer varying compensation structures. Many SLPs must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and those lower rates which include health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies are crucial, as understanding local market rates can help workers secure optimal pay while considering job benefits that contribute to long-term satisfaction in their careers.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Durango?
Are speech-language pathologists in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Durango?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Durango?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Durango. 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 Durango 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