Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $40.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fayetteville, NC runs $40.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,178 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,107 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Speech-language pathologists in Fayetteville, North Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $40.95, which is substantially lower than the national median hourly pay of $48.93. This rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time in typical settings such as school therapy rooms, medical facilities conducting dysphagia assessments, and outpatient clinics focusing on articulation therapy. With an hourly range starting at $29.67 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $59.79 for the highest earners, the pay reflects the varied experience and expertise required in this field. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this insight into the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Fayetteville serves as a useful benchmark for both new graduates and seasoned professionals navigating their career choices in this specialty.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.67 | $237.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.08 | $280.61 |
| Median (P50) | $40.95 | $327.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.00 | $399.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.79 | $478.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $40.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.95/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, NC can expect to earn approximately $85,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,142. With a cost-of-living index of 91.98 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,638.05 | $7,098 | $85,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $982.83 | $4,259 | $51,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.22 | $2,839 | $34,071 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fayetteville) | $40.95 |
| 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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $85,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.31% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.80% below the North Carolina state average of $87,632.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.95/hr = $51,107/year (purchasing power: $55,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,179/year (purchasing power: $92,608).
CoL index: 91.978 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fayetteville grew 35.9% from $28.98/hr (2019) to $39.38/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.59/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
The financial prospects for part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, yield an estimated annual income of around $51,871, which is significantly lower than what full-time practitioners earn. Many per diem speech-language pathologists in Fayetteville find themselves working at rates between $50 to $75 per hour, particularly in medical contexts where dysphagia specialists can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Notably, telepractice contracts offer a range of $40 to $60 per hour, allowing flexibility without sacrificing income. Hourly rates can also vary based on the employer type—school districts, hospitals, and private practices each have their own pay structures. While the allure of higher hourly rates often tempts SLPs, the trade-off of comprehensive health benefits in certain positions can sway decision-making, urging pathologists to weigh their options carefully during negotiations. For those assessing their earning potential in Fayetteville, understanding these dynamics is crucial in making informed career choices, especially in a market where demand continues to grow at an annual rate of 3.99%.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fayetteville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Fayetteville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fayetteville?
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 Fayetteville. 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