Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Huntersville, NC: $42.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Huntersville, NC runs $42.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Huntersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,132 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Huntersville, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $42.57. This figure is notably less than the national hourly median of $48.93, which highlights the competitive nature of the field at a broader level. For professionals engaged in part-time work, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that varies based on workload and specific job settings. SLPs may work in diverse environments, including school therapy rooms, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics—each contributing to the overall earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $26.00 per hour, while more experienced SLPs, particularly in specialized roles, can earn upwards of $57.02 per hour. The hourly rates provided are derived from projected annual salary estimates and reflect a progressive compensation trend.
About the Huntersville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.00 | $207.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.02 | $280.19 |
| Median (P50) | $42.57 | $340.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.22 | $393.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.02 | $456.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntersville
Based on $42.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.57/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $88,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,088. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,702.94 | $7,379 | $88,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.76 | $4,428 | $53,132 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $681.18 | $2,952 | $35,421 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Huntersville) | $42.57 |
| 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 Huntersville, NC earn a median of $88,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.10% above the North Carolina state average of $87,586.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.57/hr = $53,132/year (purchasing power: $56,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,553/year (purchasing power: $94,608).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Huntersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Huntersville grew 23.7% from $33.10/hr (2019) to $40.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.27/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 Huntersville 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 Huntersville
In exploring the earning potential for a 3-day workweek, a speech-language pathologist could anticipate an annual take-home income of about $52,800, compared to higher figures achievable through full-time employment. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Huntersville varies widely, with many professionals billing between $50 and $75 per hour for standard roles. Medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command even greater sums, sometimes receiving $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-based practices. Different employer types influence hourly rates significantly. School districts often provide lower wages due to their budget structures, while hospitals and outpatient clinics may present more lucrative opportunities. It's common for SLPs to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages that come without additional perks, requiring careful negotiation strategies. For those working in Huntersville, understanding employer demands and the local market dynamics will be crucial in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Huntersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Huntersville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Huntersville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Huntersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Huntersville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntersville?
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 Huntersville. 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 Huntersville 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