Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $50.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wilmington, DE runs $50.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the projected 2026 hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist stands at $50.89, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This robust hourly pay translates into a valuable opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers, providing financial flexibility while engaging in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital evaluations, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly wage spans a wide range, from $32.25 at the entry-level to $67.64 for top earners, offering various entry points for professionals in this field. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, showcasing the demand for skilled speech-language pathologists in Wilmington's healthcare and educational environments.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.25 | $257.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.69 | $317.54 |
| Median (P50) | $50.89 | $407.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.68 | $469.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.64 | $541.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $50.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.89/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $105,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,071. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,035.71 | $8,821 | $105,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.42 | $5,293 | $63,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.28 | $3,529 | $42,343 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wilmington) | $50.89 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $105,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.30% above the Delaware state average of $103,471.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.89/hr = $63,514/year (purchasing power: $62,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,857/year (purchasing power: $104,087).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wilmington grew 23.7% from $39.56/hr (2019) to $48.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.92/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Exploring part-time financing, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week for 24 hours may take home approximately $61,056 annually, compared to full-time earnings. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Wilmington typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while those specializing in medical settings, particularly in dysphagia management, can charge as much as $80 to $110 per hour. The pay distribution varies widely based on the employer type; school districts, which hire about 55% of SLPs, often offer lower hourly rates, while hospitals and skilled nursing facilities provide higher compensation for specialized roles. While some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer higher pay without the same perks. When negotiating, effective tips for hourly workers include understanding the local market rates, emphasizing specialized qualifications, and aligning with the continued growth in areas like telepractice that surged after 2020.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Wilmington?
Are speech-language pathologists in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Wilmington?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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