Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $50.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Cambridge, MA runs $50.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a speech-language pathologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earns a median hourly rate of $50.18, which is slightly above the national median of $48.93. This hourly pay provides a robust earning potential for those considering part-time or per-diem work, especially in a variety of settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. With an hourly range starting at $30.45 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $69.08 for the most experienced professionals, this wage structure reflects the diverse opportunities within the field. Hourly rates in Cambridge can be impacted by the specific work environment; for instance, SLPs in schools, hospitals, and private practice may earn differently based on their specific roles and responsibilities, with many leveraging their skills to provide services in dynamic clinical situations.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.45 | $243.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.20 | $305.56 |
| Median (P50) | $50.18 | $401.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.90 | $471.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.08 | $552.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $50.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.18/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,210. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,007.01 | $8,697 | $104,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.20 | $5,218 | $62,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.80 | $3,479 | $41,746 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Cambridge) | $50.18 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $104,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $102,413.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.18/hr = $62,619/year (purchasing power: $57,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,364/year (purchasing power: $96,188).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cambridge grew 23.7% from $39.01/hr (2019) to $48.25/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.18/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
When considering the financial implications of working part-time, a speech-language pathologist clocking 24 hours a week could take home considerably less than a full-time colleague. For example, even at the median hourly pay, the annual earnings for a part-time SLP would amount to approximately $62,000, contrasting sharply with the potential for full-time positions, which often yield higher overall compensation. Per-diem and locum tenens speech-language pathologists frequently command higher hourly rates, ranging from $50 to $75, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning $80 to $110 an hour. These variations are significant, as the work setting greatly affects pay; schools typically offer lower hourly pay compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities that require specialized expertise. Additionally, future SLPs should approach negotiations with a clear understanding of the benefits trade-off—those seeking higher wages may need to consider the implications of reduced health benefits, making it essential to weigh the comprehensive employment package carefully.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cambridge in 2026?
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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