Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $38.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $38.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,304 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, Louisiana, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is expected to reach $38.71 in 2026, offering a competitive salary compared to the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate can substantially benefit part-time practitioners working three days a week, providing opportunities for flexibility in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. Entry-level speech-language pathologists may start at about $31.71 per hour, while those at the top end of the scale can command up to $51.18 per hour. This range creates a pathway for professionals in LA to tailor their work schedules and settings, whether engaging with students or addressing complex medical needs in facilities like skilled nursing homes or hospitals. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and highlight the potential earnings for SLPs across different practice environments in New Orleans.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.71 | $253.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.10 | $264.80 |
| Median (P50) | $38.71 | $309.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.98 | $383.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.18 | $409.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $38.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.71/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $80,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,446. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,548.20 | $6,709 | $80,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.92 | $4,025 | $48,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.28 | $2,684 | $32,203 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (New Orleans) | $38.71 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $80,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.90% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 13.30% above the Louisiana state average of $71,058.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.71/hr = $48,304/year (purchasing power: $52,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,507/year (purchasing power: $86,943).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in New Orleans grew 2.1% from $36.46/hr (2019) to $37.22/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.25/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Achieving a stable income as a speech-language pathologist hinges on various employment choices in New Orleans. A part-time SLP working 24 hours per week could potentially take home $48,000 annually, while full-time colleagues may see their earnings exceed $80,000. Per diem work adds another layer of income variability; agency SLPs often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, particularly in school environments, while medical placements focusing on dysphagia command rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-based practices. Conditions in the job market can differ significantly, as school districts typically pay lower hourly rates compared to acute care or outpatient facilities that require specialized skills. Some speech-language pathologists may prefer higher hourly pay when working independently; however, they often have to forego benefits or insurance, compromising long-term financial stability. To secure more favorable rates, it's beneficial to research local market standards, consider negotiating contracts based on caseload expectations, and understand the intricacies of telepractice rates that vary widely in New Orleans.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in New Orleans?
Are speech-language pathologists in New Orleans paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in New Orleans?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in New Orleans?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 New Orleans. 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