Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Merrimack, NH: $51.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Merrimack, NH runs $51.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Merrimack's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,865 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrimack, New Hampshire, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $51.17, positioning it notably above the national median of $48.93. This competitive hourly rate benefits a range of professionals, including those working part-time in various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For instance, a part-time speech-language pathologist who works three days a week might earn roughly $37,000 annually, depending on their exact hours and settings. Entry-level practitioners typically start around $32.33 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles can command rates up to $66.55 per hour. These projections underscore the professional landscape in Merrimack, reflecting local demand and economic conditions.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.33 | $258.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.76 | $318.04 |
| Median (P50) | $51.17 | $409.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.43 | $467.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.55 | $532.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrimack
Based on $51.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.17/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrimack, NH can expect to earn approximately $106,441 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,408. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merrimack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrimack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,046.94 | $8,870 | $106,441 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,228.16 | $5,322 | $63,865 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.78 | $3,548 | $42,576 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Merrimack) | $51.17 |
| 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 Merrimack, NH earn a median of $106,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $109,162.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.17/hr = $63,865/year (purchasing power: $59,520).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,441/year (purchasing power: $99,199).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Merrimack grew 23.7% from $39.78/hr (2019) to $49.21/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.22/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 Merrimack 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 Merrimack
Analyzing the fiscal opportunities for speech-language pathologists reveals significant variations based on employment type. A part-time SLP working a 24-hour week might take home between $30,570 and $122,000 annually, depending on their hourly rate and practice focus. Those opting for per-diem positions often face a diverse earning range; per diem speech-language pathologists generally bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while medical-focused SLPs in dysphagia treatment can see rates soar to $80-$110 per hour, especially in cash practices. However, telepractice roles may offer lower rates, between $40 and $60 per hour, impacted by caseload structure. The differences in pay highlight a common trade-off where SLPs working in schools may accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, while others may pursue higher cash compensation without such perks. Negotiation strategies in Merrimack should emphasize total compensation, factoring in benefits and job stability, alongside the hourly rate to secure an optimal position in this competitive field.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Merrimack 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 Merrimack. 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 Merrimack 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