Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $50.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Worcester, MA runs $50.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,476 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Worcester, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $50.06, reflecting the growing demand for these professionals in diverse settings. This figure surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.93, highlighting the competitive compensation available in the region. Part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week can expect a take-home pay that varies significantly depending on their work environment, whether in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or telepractice. The hourly range for those in this profession stretches from $36.02 for entry-level positions to $66.23 for top earners, providing an attractive salary spectrum for both newly minted graduates and experienced clinicians.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.02 | $288.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.46 | $331.69 |
| Median (P50) | $50.06 | $400.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.42 | $467.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.23 | $529.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $50.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.06/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,073. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,002.43 | $8,677 | $104,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.46 | $5,206 | $62,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.97 | $3,471 | $41,651 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Worcester) | $50.06 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $104,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.60% above the Massachusetts state average of $102,485.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.06/hr = $62,476/year (purchasing power: $60,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,126/year (purchasing power: $101,564).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Worcester grew 22.1% from $39.43/hr (2019) to $48.14/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.06/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
With a growing commitment to therapy in both educational and medical fields, part-time speech-language pathologists in Worcester can benefit from an interesting earning dynamic. For instance, on a typical 24-hour workweek, they might see their annual income sharply fluctuate compared to full-time work, impacting benefits such as health insurance. The reality for per diem speech-language pathologists shows that they often charge rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia reaching rates as high as $80 to $110 when working in cash practices. Factors like employer type play a significant role in hourly pay, with school districts generally offering lower rates compared to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and private practices. Additionally, while some may accept lower rates for consistent hours and benefits, others prioritize maximizing their hourly pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively is crucial for these professionals, particularly when weighing potential earnings against the stability that comes from roles with set hours and what each setting provides in terms of overall job satisfaction and work-life balance.
More salary data for Worcester, 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 Worcester. 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