Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Albany, GA: $39.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Albany, GA runs $39.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,524 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Albany, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $39.68. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $48.93, suggesting that local opportunities provide lower compensation compared to the broader market. For part-time workers, particularly those engaging in three-day workweeks, this hourly rate translates to a more modest income. Per-diem positions in settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and hospital environments can attract varying compensation. Interestingly, the hourly earnings for entry-level professionals start around $29.67, while seasoned practitioners can earn up to $59.26 per hour, highlighting a significant income range that can influence choices in work settings and specialty areas.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.67 | $237.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.90 | $295.17 |
| Median (P50) | $39.68 | $317.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.29 | $426.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.26 | $474.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $39.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.68/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, GA can expect to earn approximately $82,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,619. With a cost-of-living index of 87.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,587.30 | $6,878 | $82,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.38 | $4,127 | $49,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.92 | $2,751 | $33,016 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Albany) | $39.68 |
| 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 Albany, GA earn a median of $82,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.91% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.60% below the Georgia state average of $86,506.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.68/hr = $49,524/year (purchasing power: $56,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,540/year (purchasing power: $94,149).
CoL index: 87.669 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Albany grew 23.7% from $30.85/hr (2019) to $38.16/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.27/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 Albany 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 Albany
Analyzing the earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working part-time at 24 hours per week can expect to earn approximately $49,920 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts in Albany. Per-diem and contract opportunities offer compelling alternatives; for instance, per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Albany typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized medical roles focused on dysphagia potentially reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Even telepractice work can offer flexible arrangements, with rates varying from $40 to $60 based on the complexity of the cases. Differences in compensation can be seen across employment settings—school districts often pay lower hourly rates compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, where specialized skills are in high demand. Many practitioners face trade-offs when considering hourly wages—some accept lower rates for the security of health insurance and benefits, while others prefer higher pay without those perks. For negotiation, aspiring SLPs in Albany should emphasize their unique qualifications, particularly if they have specialization in high-demand areas like pediatric or adult rehabilitation.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
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 Albany. 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, 5-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