Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $55.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Union City, NJ runs $55.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,631 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $55.59, which marks a notable increase when contrasted with the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive rate reflects not only the demand for SLP services but also the higher cost of living in the area, with various work settings accommodating different levels of engagement. For those contemplating part-time roles—say, working three days a week—the potential earnings offer a robust option, especially for assignments ranging from school therapy sessions and hospital bedside evaluations to outpatient clinics and telepractice environments. Within the local landscape, hourly wages can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $37.82, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $77.26 per hour.
About the Union City 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) | $37.82 | $302.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.30 | $362.38 |
| Median (P50) | $55.59 | $444.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.96 | $527.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.26 | $618.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $55.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.59/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $115,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,712. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,223.72 | $9,636 | $115,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,334.23 | $5,782 | $69,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $889.49 | $3,854 | $46,253 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Union City) | $55.59 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $115,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $117,272.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.59/hr = $69,380/year (purchasing power: $60,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,634/year (purchasing power: $100,376).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Union City grew 23.7% from $43.22/hr (2019) to $53.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.81/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 Union City 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 Union City
For clinicians seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in Union City, the earnings potential is substantial. Taking a typical schedule of three days a week at 24 hours, a speech-language pathologist stands to earn around $64,832 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart who clocks in at over $115,631 per year. Many per-diem speech-language pathologists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized settings, like dysphagia evaluations in hospitals, can command rates reaching $80 to $110. School districts typically offer more stability but lower hourly compensation, whereas medical settings or telepractice agencies may provide higher pay without benefits, which is a key consideration for many SLPs. When negotiating hourly agreements, thorough research on local norms, demonstrating expertise, and understanding the value of benefits versus hourly pay can empower speech-language pathologists to secure the best arrangements fitting their career paths in Union City.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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