Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $51.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Bethesda, MD runs $51.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to reach $51.65 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.93. This favorable rate positions speech-language pathologists well in various professional settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice environments. With an hourly range starting at $33.22 for entry-level positions and peaking at around $71.56 for experienced professionals, the diverse opportunities in Bethesda offer ample financial incentive for both full-time and part-time work. Those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, will find that even reduced hours can lead to competitive earnings while retaining flexibility in their schedules.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.22 | $265.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.82 | $326.53 |
| Median (P50) | $51.65 | $413.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.15 | $489.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.56 | $572.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $51.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.65/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $107,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,982. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,066.07 | $8,953 | $107,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,239.64 | $5,372 | $64,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $826.43 | $3,581 | $42,974 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Bethesda) | $51.65 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $107,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $111,227.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.65/hr = $64,461/year (purchasing power: $58,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,436/year (purchasing power: $98,294).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bethesda grew 23.7% from $40.15/hr (2019) to $49.67/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.71/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Part-time speech-language pathologists serving in Bethesda often earn significantly different annual figures than their full-time counterparts, particularly when they work a 24-hour week. Those who seek per-diem and contract roles may bill rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical speech-language pathologists focusing on dysphagia potentially earning $80 to $110. Meanwhile, telepractice speech-language pathologists typically command hourly rates between $40 and $60 based on their caseload. Compensation can vary widely depending on employer type—school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices all have different compensation structures. Some professionals may choose lower-paying positions that offer benefits like health insurance over higher wages that lack such advantages. For those in Bethesda, negotiating hourly wages with knowledge of local market rates can make a significant difference, allowing SLPs to better advocate for themselves in this competitive field.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Bethesda?
Are speech-language pathologists in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Bethesda?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bethesda?
Related Pages
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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