Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Dunedin, FL: $47.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Dunedin, FL runs $47.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,836 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Dunedin's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dunedin, Florida, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $47.51 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate suggests a diverse range of employment settings—whether in school therapy rooms, hospital bedside evaluations, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, or offering telepractice services. For SLPs working part-time, such as three days a week, this pay translates to a practical income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly compensation in Dunedin varies as well, with entry-level positions earning about $32.49 an hour, while more experienced professionals can command rates as high as $63.31. It's essential to acknowledge that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates and can fluctuate based on the specific work environment and the complexity of the services provided.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.49 | $259.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.84 | $310.72 |
| Median (P50) | $47.51 | $380.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.07 | $440.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.31 | $506.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunedin
Based on $47.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.51/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunedin, FL can expect to earn approximately $98,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,016. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dunedin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunedin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.52 | $8,236 | $98,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.31 | $4,941 | $59,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.21 | $3,294 | $39,531 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Dunedin) | $47.51 |
| 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 Dunedin, FL earn a median of $98,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $103,169.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.51/hr = $59,296/year (purchasing power: $58,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,827/year (purchasing power: $98,043).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dunedin grew 23.7% from $36.94/hr (2019) to $45.69/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.41/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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin
Examining part-time earnings for a speech-language pathologist in Dunedin reveals interesting implications. A typical three-day workweek equating to 24 hours would yield approximately $55,000 annually, which can be a reasonable income for many. However, per diem roles often offer different realities; these SLPs can frequently bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-based practices. Notably, telepractice positions, which have expanded significantly since 2020, pay between $40 to $60, depending on the caseload agreement. Across various employers in Dunedin—such as school districts, hospitals, and private practices—compensation can diverge significantly, with school positions typically offering lower hourly rates compared to medical facilities. Many SLPs face a trade-off between higher pay without benefits and other positions that provide health insurance. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers can be vital, particularly in this fluctuating market, emphasizing the need to understand one’s worth and the going rates for different types of employment within this profession.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Dunedin in 2026?
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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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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