Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $35.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Valdosta, GA runs $35.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,216 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $35.43 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This discrepancy reflects the localized economic conditions and demand for services within the region. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a stable income in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinic environments, and telepractice sessions. Newcomers in the field may start on the lower end of the hourly range, at about $25.26, while experienced SLPs can earn up to $51.39, allowing for a wide spectrum of opportunities based on skill level and specific job settings. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, reveal the earning potential available to professionals amidst the diverse clinical backgrounds found in Valdosta.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.55 | $236.43 |
| Median (P50) | $35.43 | $283.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.15 | $369.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.39 | $411.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $35.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.43/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $73,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,515. With a cost-of-living index of 88.27 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.18 | $6,141 | $73,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.31 | $3,685 | $44,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.87 | $2,456 | $29,477 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Valdosta) | $35.43 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $73,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.59% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 14.80% below the Georgia state average of $86,500.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.43/hr = $44,216/year (purchasing power: $50,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,693/year (purchasing power: $83,485).
CoL index: 88.271 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Valdosta grew 28.4% from $26.53/hr (2019) to $34.07/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.84/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
Beyond the median rate, the earning landscape for part-time speech-language pathologists can vary significantly based on practice type and caseload. For example, a three-day-per-week SLP could expect to bring home approximately $43,500 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings that reach upwards of $73,698. In the realm of per-diem work, many speech-language pathologists in Valdosta can negotiate rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical roles—especially those focused on dysphagia—commanding even higher fees of $80 to $110 per hour. In terms of employment type, school districts typically offer lower hourly rates but may include benefits like health insurance, while skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often present opportunities for higher pay in exchange for the demanding nature of the work. Understanding these dynamics can aid SLPs in negotiating their hourly pay effectively, ensuring they find the right balance between compensation and job satisfaction in Valdosta, GA.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Valdosta in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Valdosta?
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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 Valdosta. 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