Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Albuquerque, NM: $49.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Albuquerque, NM runs $49.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Albuquerque's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,879 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albuquerque, NM, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected at $49.58 in 2026, slightly above the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This pay structure provides part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, with a substantial earning potential in typical settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For per-diem workers, this hourly rate can vary—entry-level SLPs may earn around $30.81, while top earners can make up to $66.51. The variability in hourly rates reflects the diverse environments in which speech-language pathologists work, including both educational and medical settings, offering unique salary prospects and job satisfaction.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.81 | $246.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.88 | $319.04 |
| Median (P50) | $49.58 | $396.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.48 | $523.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.51 | $532.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albuquerque
Based on $49.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.58/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albuquerque, NM can expect to earn approximately $103,131 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,499. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albuquerque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albuquerque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,983.30 | $8,594 | $103,131 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,189.98 | $5,157 | $61,879 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.32 | $3,438 | $41,253 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Albuquerque) | $49.58 |
| 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 Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $103,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.32% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 7.30% above the New Mexico state average of $96,101.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.58/hr = $61,879/year (purchasing power: $64,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,131/year (purchasing power: $107,939).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Albuquerque grew 52.0% from $31.37/hr (2019) to $47.68/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.56/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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque
For professionals looking at part-time opportunities, working approximately 24 hours a week could yield a significant income. A speech-language pathologist in Albuquerque could potentially earn about $61,000 annually with this schedule, whereas full-time practitioners might secure upwards of $103,116 in 2026. Per-diem options are also appealing; SLPs often bill $50-$75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia sometimes charging $80-$110. Different employer types impact pay, with professionals in school districts earning less than those in hospital roles or skilled nursing facilities. While some might accept lower rates for the benefits offered in full-time roles, others may prefer higher hourly compensation without those perks. Negotiation strategies could include discussing caseload weights or scheduling flexibility, crucial for maximizing earnings in Albuquerque's competitive market.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Albuquerque in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Albuquerque?
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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 Albuquerque. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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