Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Palm Bay, FL: $30.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Palm Bay, FL runs $30.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Palm Bay's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,441 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The current median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Palm Bay, Florida, is projected to be $30.00 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant difference when compared to the national median of $48.93 per hour, which highlights both regional disparities and variations in demand across the profession. For those considering part-time work—such as operating three days a week in settings like schools, outpatient clinics, or via telepractice—this hourly rate translates to a viable but limited income for many professionals. The hourly salary range for SLPs in Palm Bay stretches from $25.73 for entry-level positions to $60.19 for top earners, providing a broad spectrum for new graduates or experienced clinicians seeking diverse employment opportunities within the field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.73 | $205.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.00 | $240.01 |
| Median (P50) | $30.00 | $240.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.75 | $405.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.19 | $481.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Bay
Based on $30.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.00/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Bay, FL can expect to earn approximately $62,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,001. With a cost-of-living index of 100.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Bay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Bay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,200.04 | $5,200 | $62,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.03 | $3,120 | $37,441 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.02 | $2,080 | $24,961 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Palm Bay) | $30.00 |
| 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 Palm Bay, FL earn a median of $62,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.69% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 39.50% below the Florida state average of $103,131.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.00/hr = $37,441/year (purchasing power: $37,440).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,402/year (purchasing power: $62,399).
CoL index: 100.005 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Palm Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Palm Bay grew 24.2% from $23.23/hr (2019) to $28.85/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.20/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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay
When considering part-time employment, a speech-language pathologist working a 24-hour week might expect considerably different financial outcomes compared to full-time colleagues. While part-timers make around $30,000 annually, per-diem opportunities tend to be far more lucrative. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Palm Bay often varies from $50 to $75 per hour, while medical SLPs focused on dysphagia can command rates between $80 and $110 in cash practices. Moreover, telepractice arrangements, which have seen a surge since 2020, often yield $40 to $60 per hour based on casework. Differences in hourly rates can also arise depending on the type of employer, with school districts generally offering lower pay than hospitals or clinics. Many SLPs may choose jobs with lower hourly rates for the benefits they offer, while others may prioritize the higher wages in contract roles even if it means sacrificing health insurance. Negotiating pay effectively in Palm Bay requires understanding the specific market conditions and potential employer expectations—an important factor for both aspiring and current speech-language pathologists.
More salary data for Palm Bay, FL:
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 Palm Bay. 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