Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $45.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Charlotte, NC runs $45.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,589 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,753 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is estimated at $45.47, which is slightly below the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in settings like school therapy rooms, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range stretching from $29.62 for entry-level positions to $62.69 for top earners, SLPs can find diverse employment paths that cater to their professional goals. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides these insights, reflecting the dynamic nature of speech-language pathology roles in Charlotte as they adapt to patient needs and market demands.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.62 | $236.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.87 | $295.00 |
| Median (P50) | $45.47 | $363.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.51 | $428.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.69 | $501.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $45.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.47/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $94,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,570. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,818.99 | $7,882 | $94,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,091.40 | $4,729 | $56,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.60 | $3,153 | $37,835 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Charlotte) | $45.47 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $94,589 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.06% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 8.00% above the North Carolina state average of $87,583.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.47/hr = $56,753/year (purchasing power: $58,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,588/year (purchasing power: $97,164).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Charlotte grew 28.6% from $34.00/hr (2019) to $43.73/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.29/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
For those considering part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week for 24 hours may earn around $52,560 annually, significantly less than full-time earnings but still a viable option for flexibility. Per-diem and agency roles offer even more potential, with pay rates commonly reaching between $50 and $75 per hour, and specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia often billing between $80 and $110. In Charlotte, hourly compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer, with school districts generally on the lower end of the scale compared to hospitals and outpatient facilities. This variance presents a trade-off; some SLPs might accept lower hourly rates when they include benefits like healthcare, while others may prioritize a higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies can be essential in this environment, allowing SLPs to better align their work hours with their financial goals while considering their commitment to ASHA standards and patient care.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Charlotte. 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