Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $56.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $56.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,318 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, the projected median hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist stands at $56.88, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. This hourly pay allows for flexibility, making it ideal for part-time or per-diem positions. For those working around three days a week, translating this hourly rate into income can support a balanced lifestyle. SLPs operating in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments can expect to see their earnings range from $37.98 at the entry-level to as high as $80.99 for experienced professionals. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the demand for qualified SLPs within the city.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.98 | $303.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.10 | $368.79 |
| Median (P50) | $56.88 | $455.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.37 | $546.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.99 | $647.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $56.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.88/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $118,316 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,259. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,275.30 | $9,860 | $118,316 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,365.18 | $5,916 | $70,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $910.12 | $3,944 | $47,326 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Elizabeth) | $56.88 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $118,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $117,262.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.88/hr = $70,989/year (purchasing power: $61,623).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,316/year (purchasing power: $102,705).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Elizabeth grew 23.7% from $44.22/hr (2019) to $54.70/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.15/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Considering the part-time earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income close to $44,600, which allows for decent financial stability compared to the full-time average. Per-diem arrangements reflect varied rates, with SLPs traditionally billing between $50-$75 for general practices and reaching upwards of $80-$110 for specialized medical services, particularly in dysphagia assessment. Employer types in Elizabeth impact pay significantly; school districts predominate the market but often offer lower wages without benefits, while hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically provide higher compensation. Those pursuing flexible telepractice contracts can negotiate hourly pay based on their caseloads, ranging from $40 to $60. For speech-language pathologists in Elizabeth, strategic negotiation can yield benefits—opt for higher pay with fewer benefits or vice versa, depending on personal circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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