Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $48.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Needham, MA runs $48.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,646 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,386 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Needham, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is set at $48.39 in 2026. This figure is just shy of the national median hourly rate of $48.93, indicating a competitive compensation environment for this specialized profession within the state. For SLPs working in various settings—such as school therapy rooms, hospital settings conducting bedside dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and telepractice—the hourly commitment directly translates into substantial earning potential, particularly for part-time employees or those engaged in per-diem work. As estimated, the hourly pay ranges from $31.23 for entry-level positions to $63.67 for top earners in the area, reflecting a wide spectrum of opportunities depending on experience and specialty area.
About the Needham 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) | $31.23 | $249.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.07 | $304.57 |
| Median (P50) | $48.39 | $387.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.71 | $445.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.67 | $509.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $48.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.39/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $100,644 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,064. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.46 | $8,387 | $100,644 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.28 | $5,032 | $60,386 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.18 | $3,355 | $40,258 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Needham) | $48.39 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $100,646 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $102,386.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.39/hr = $60,386/year (purchasing power: $55,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,644/year (purchasing power: $92,759).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Needham grew 23.7% from $37.62/hr (2019) to $46.53/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.32/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 Needham 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 Needham
For those considering part-time work in Needham, a speech-language pathologist clocking in at 24 hours each week would earn close to $49,000 annually, a solid income compared to full-time roles. Per-diem and agency speech-language pathologists may find lucrative opportunities, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while those specialized in medical settings may command $80 to $110 per hour. Telepractice services are also an appealing option, offering rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on caseload structure. The variance in hourly rates can largely depend on the employer, with school districts, hospitals, private practices, and telepractice agencies each presenting different financial incentives. Many SLPs may choose positions that offer health benefits, which can offset a lower hourly rate; however, bargaining for pay in Needham can lead to better compensation packages, especially for those with CCC-SLP certification or years of experience in the field.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
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 Needham. 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 Needham 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