Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $53.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wheaton, MD runs $53.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,225 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wheaton, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is $53.47, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive rate offers substantial earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers operating in diverse settings, such as school therapy rooms, hospitals conducting dysphagia evaluations, and outpatient clinics. For SLPs working part-time, typical schedules of three days per week can be financially rewarding, with an hourly range extending from $33.28 for entry-level positions up to $72.40 for top earners. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a meaningful context for those entering the field and navigating their options within local employment markets.
About the Wheaton 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) | $33.28 | $266.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.25 | $330.02 |
| Median (P50) | $53.47 | $427.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.29 | $498.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.40 | $579.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $53.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.47/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $111,221 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,166. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,138.87 | $9,268 | $111,221 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,283.32 | $5,561 | $66,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $855.55 | $3,707 | $44,488 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wheaton) | $53.47 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $111,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $101,775.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.47/hr = $66,733/year (purchasing power: $61,055).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,221/year (purchasing power: $101,758).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wheaton grew 23.7% from $41.57/hr (2019) to $51.42/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.61/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Examining the part-time earning potential illuminates how a speech-language pathologist functioning at $53.47 per hour over a 24-hour work week takes home approximately $41,504 annually, in contrast with a full-time position. Per diem opportunities in Wheaton present varied compensation as well; while general rates hover around $50 to $75 per hour, medical specialists like dysphagia SLPs could earn $80 to $110 an hour in cash practices. Moreover, telepractice contracts typically range from $40 to $60 per hour, reflecting the growing demand for remote services. Employment settings such as school districts and skilled nursing facilities often offer benefits, influencing decision-making between higher hourly rates without insurance and lower rates with health coverage. To secure favorable compensation in Wheaton, negotiation tactics that emphasize relevant experience and unique qualifications are essential, particularly when approaching different employer types in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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