Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $40.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Ithaca, NY runs $40.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,822 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, New York, the projected median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in 2026 stands at $40.72, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This disparity affects the feasibility of part-time and per-diem work arrangements in diverse settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. For example, those working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $646 per week, which might limit their overall income compared to full-time positions. The hourly wage in Ithaca ranges from $33.66 for entry-level positions to as high as $69.96 for experienced practitioners, making it accessible yet competitive at the higher end for specialized roles, including dysphagia assessments in hospitals or AAC device trials in schools. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear picture of the local market.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.66 | $269.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.63 | $293.00 |
| Median (P50) | $40.72 | $325.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.98 | $407.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.96 | $559.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $40.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.72/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $84,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,867. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,628.90 | $7,059 | $84,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.34 | $4,235 | $50,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.56 | $2,823 | $33,881 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Ithaca) | $40.72 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $84,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.78% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.70% below the New York state average of $87,050.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.72/hr = $50,822/year (purchasing power: $49,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,703/year (purchasing power: $81,983).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ithaca grew 25.6% from $31.19/hr (2019) to $39.16/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.35/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Looking closely at the financial options available to part-time speech-language pathologists can yield different outcomes. For those working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay would translate to around $63,360, significantly less than full-time charges. In contrast, per diem speech-language pathologists in Ithaca benefit from a more lucrative pay scale, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia able to command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in private practices. The variability in hourly wages reflects the diverse employer types, from school districts to skilled nursing facilities and telepractice to private agencies, each offering distinct pay scales and benefits. While some may choose lower hourly rates for included health benefits, others might opt for cash-based contracts with higher hourly rates but no benefits. For those in the field negotiating pay, understanding the local Job market dynamics and potential earnings based on specialty can provide a strong advantage.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 Ithaca. 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