Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Sarasota, FL: $51.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Sarasota, FL runs $51.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Sarasota's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sarasota, FL, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is set at $51.40 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.93. This rate positions local professionals favorably, particularly those working part-time or per diem in various settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice. For instance, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week would earn approximately $32,000 annually based solely on their hourly earnings, while entry-level positions may command rates beginning around $32.17 per hour, escalating to $68.22 for top earners. The hourly pay structure reflects a significant range, allowing opportunities for speech-language pathologists across different work environments, aligned with the demand for specialized services in the region.
About the Sarasota 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) | $32.17 | $257.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.95 | $319.62 |
| Median (P50) | $51.40 | $411.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.06 | $472.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.22 | $545.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sarasota
Based on $51.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.40/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sarasota, FL can expect to earn approximately $106,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,683. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sarasota.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sarasota
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,056.09 | $8,910 | $106,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,233.65 | $5,346 | $64,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $822.44 | $3,564 | $42,767 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Sarasota) | $51.40 |
| 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 Sarasota, FL earn a median of $106,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% above the Florida state average of $103,101.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.40/hr = $64,150/year (purchasing power: $63,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,917/year (purchasing power: $106,068).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sarasota grew 23.7% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $49.43/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.45/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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
When examining the financial implications of part-time and per-diem work, a speech-language pathologist in Sarasota earning a mid-range per diem rate could take home around $50-$75 per hour. Specifically, specialists focusing on dysphagia in medical settings often earn between $80 and $110 per hour, while telepractice opportunities typically range from $40 to $60 based on caseload. Differences in hourly rates across employer types are notable; school districts generally offer lower wages but include benefits, whereas medical and private practice positions tend to pay more but lack full-time stability and benefits. Negotiation remains key, where professionals may seek higher hourly pay, balancing the absence of health insurance against increased income flexibility. For Sarasota's SLPs, understanding these dynamics, particularly after the 2020 telepractice boom, is vital to optimizing career choices in an evolving health landscape.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sarasota in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Sarasota?
Are speech-language pathologists in Sarasota paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Sarasota?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sarasota?
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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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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