Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Winter Haven, FL: $44.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Winter Haven, FL runs $44.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Winter Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Haven, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is set at $44.15, which is lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This difference in hourly rates illustrates the financial landscape that professionals in this field must navigate. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this means they can realistically expect to earn around $1,060 weekly if they work 24 hours, which can significantly contribute to their overall budget. The hourly range varies from $28.22 at entry-level positions to $60.72 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth within the profession as SLPs gain experience and credentials. As many work in diverse settings—including outpatient clinics, schools, and telepractice environments—hourly pay can fluctuate based on specific job roles and locations within the community.
About the Winter Haven 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) | $28.22 | $225.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.63 | $277.03 |
| Median (P50) | $44.15 | $353.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.01 | $416.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.72 | $485.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Haven
Based on $44.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.15/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Haven, FL can expect to earn approximately $91,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,985. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,766.17 | $7,653 | $91,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,059.70 | $4,592 | $55,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.47 | $3,061 | $36,736 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Winter Haven) | $44.15 |
| 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 Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $91,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.75% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 10.90% below the Florida state average of $103,087.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.15/hr = $55,104/year (purchasing power: $54,667).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,841/year (purchasing power: $91,112).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Winter Haven grew 23.7% from $34.33/hr (2019) to $42.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.92/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 Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven
Focusing on part-time and per-diem earning potential reveals a contrasting picture for speech-language pathologists in Winter Haven. For instance, a part-time SLP working 24 hours weekly could earn approximately $55,416 annually, which is substantially less than what full-time professionals earn. Conversely, per diem speech-language pathologists can command a higher hourly pay rate, typically between $50-$75, with specialized medical practitioners, particularly in dysphagia, drawing $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. The varying rates across different employer types—such as schools, hospitals, or private practice—reflect differing demands, with schools often providing lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. This difference can drive SLPs to negotiate for higher pay rates when they opt to work as freelancers or in telepractice. For those navigating this market, understanding these dynamics can lead to better compensation negotiations and a more favorable work-life balance in Winter Haven, FL.
More salary data for Winter Haven, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Winter Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Winter Haven?
Are speech-language pathologists in Winter Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Winter Haven?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Winter Haven?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Winter Haven. 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 Winter Haven 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