Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $54.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kearny, NJ runs $54.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,056 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, the projected median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists is $54.53, surpassing the national median of $48.93. This higher hourly rate provides appealing opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, allowing professionals to work in diverse environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings. Those working part-time, for instance, might find themselves earning a respectable income even while engaged only three days a week. The hourly pay range for speech-language pathologists in Kearny varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $38.29 and top earners potentially making $73.47 an hour, reflecting the varying complexities of roles and settings within the profession.
About the Kearny 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) | $38.29 | $306.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.19 | $361.55 |
| Median (P50) | $54.53 | $436.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.77 | $494.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.47 | $587.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $54.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.53/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $113,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,439. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,181.29 | $9,452 | $113,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,308.78 | $5,671 | $68,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $872.52 | $3,781 | $45,371 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kearny) | $54.53 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $113,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $117,294.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.53/hr = $68,056/year (purchasing power: $59,077).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,427/year (purchasing power: $98,461).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kearny grew 23.7% from $42.39/hr (2019) to $52.44/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.71/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
Considering a career as a per diem speech-language pathologist in Kearny can lead to interesting earnings dynamics. Working three days a week for 24 hours, an SLP might earn around $52,000 annually compared to a full-time colleague earning over $113,000. In this city, per diem rates can vary widely; many SLPs command $50-$75/hour, while medical-focused SLPs, especially in dysphagia, can expect rates from $80-$110/hour. The type of employer significantly impacts compensation, with school districts typically offering lower hourly wages compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. However, many SLPs are willing to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which adds a layer of complexity to negotiations. To optimize earning potential, candidates should consider their specialty, negotiate based on current demand in Kearny, and weigh the pros and cons of benefits versus pay rates when seeking employment.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kearny?
Are speech-language pathologists in Kearny paid hourly or salary?
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Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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