Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $55.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lakewood, NJ runs $55.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,328 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, the average speech-language pathologist hourly pay stands at $55.93, significantly surpassing the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate opens numerous avenues for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings—be it schools, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a comfortable income while allowing flexibility and varied professional experiences. The hourly range for SLPs in Lakewood spans from $36.08 for entry-level positions to $79.79 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity in expertise and the different types of clients served. As these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, they offer a clear guide to what SLPs can expect in their careers, whether they're focused on school settings or medical contexts, such as dysphagia evaluations.
About the Lakewood 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) | $36.08 | $288.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.21 | $353.65 |
| Median (P50) | $55.93 | $447.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.31 | $538.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.79 | $638.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $55.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.93/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,326 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,111. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,237.03 | $9,694 | $116,326 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,342.22 | $5,816 | $69,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $894.81 | $3,878 | $46,530 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lakewood) | $55.93 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $116,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $117,267.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.93/hr = $69,795/year (purchasing power: $60,586).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,326/year (purchasing power: $100,977).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lakewood grew 23.7% from $43.48/hr (2019) to $53.78/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.16/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Considering the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of nearly $69,000, which contrasts with the full-time salary of around $116,328. Per diem roles are prevalent in Lakewood as well, with options in schools and medical facilities where SLPs often bill $50-$75/hr, particularly in agencies catering to specific needs like dysphagia, where rates can climb to $80-$110/hr in cash practices. The nature of employment influences these rates; school districts usually offer stable employment but lower pay, while hospitals and private practices might provide better compensation but fewer benefits. For those considering hourly positions, understanding how to negotiate effectively is crucial—SLPs should weigh the value of benefits against the allure of higher pay without health insurance, particularly in light of recent shifts toward telepractice opportunities.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Lakewood?
Are speech-language pathologists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Lakewood?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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