Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $52.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Summit, NJ runs $52.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,262 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is $52.53, exceeding the national median of $48.93 per hour by a noteworthy margin. This attractive hourly rate can be particularly beneficial for part-time professionals or those engaged in per-diem work, offering flexible options within various settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For entry-level SLPs, the hourly rate starts around $37.58, while top earners in the field can command $68.16 per hour. Such estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting that SLPs in Summit enjoy a competitive position in the labor market, a factor that can influence job satisfaction and quality of life.
About the Summit 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) | $37.58 | $300.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.84 | $350.74 |
| Median (P50) | $52.53 | $420.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.19 | $465.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.16 | $545.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $52.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.53/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $109,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,030. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,101.01 | $9,104 | $109,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,260.61 | $5,463 | $65,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $840.41 | $3,642 | $43,701 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Summit) | $52.53 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $109,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $117,234.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.53/hr = $65,552/year (purchasing power: $56,902).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,253/year (purchasing power: $94,837).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Summit grew 23.7% from $40.83/hr (2019) to $50.51/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.62/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 Summit 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 Summit
The earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week in Summit can differ significantly when compared to full-time roles. A 24-hour workweek at the median hourly rate translates to around $54,642 in annual income. For SLPs engaging in per-diem contracts, billing rates vary widely; agency and locum SLPs typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized medical settings, particularly those focusing on dysphagia, may reach rates as high as $110 per hour. Job types also play a critical role in pay disparities—school positions generally provide reliable hours and benefits, but may offer lower hourly rates compared to fast-paced settings like outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities. Negotiating hourly wages often requires understanding these trade-offs, as some SLPs might accept lower pay in exchange for benefits, while others prefer higher hourly rates without such compensatory offers. It's essential for SLPs in Summit to research their options thoroughly and present their value effectively during salary discussions.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Summit in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Summit?
Are speech-language pathologists in Summit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Summit?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Summit?
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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 Summit. 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 Summit 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