Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $41.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Kernersville, NC runs $41.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kernersville, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $41.73, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly wage offers flexibility for part-time SLPs, particularly those working three days a week, as their earnings will vary based on hours worked and the specific settings in which they practice. Whether in school therapy rooms providing direct intervention, conducting dysphagia evaluations at hospital bedside, or offering therapy in outpatient clinics, the hourly compensation reflects diverse opportunities and responsibilities. For entry-level practitioners or those new to the field, hourly rates begin at around $27.57, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $55.74, showcasing the potential for career advancement in this critical area of healthcare and education.
About the Kernersville 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) | $27.57 | $220.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.28 | $266.21 |
| Median (P50) | $41.73 | $333.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.45 | $387.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.74 | $445.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $41.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.73/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,077. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,669.25 | $7,233 | $86,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.55 | $4,340 | $52,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.70 | $2,893 | $34,720 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Kernersville) | $41.73 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $86,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.70% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $87,597.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.73/hr = $52,081/year (purchasing power: $55,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,801/year (purchasing power: $92,736).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kernersville grew 23.7% from $32.44/hr (2019) to $40.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.40/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
For those considering part-time work, a speech-language pathologist operating on a three-day work week and totaling around 24 hours could potentially bring home $51,928 annually, a stark contrast to full-time salaries. Per-diem or contracted roles further illustrate varying pay structures; local agencies often offer rates between $50-$75 per hour for SLPs, while medical specialties focusing on dysphagia can command up to $110/hour in cash practices. Each employer type in Kernersville has different financial incentives: schools, being the largest hiring sector, generally offer lower rates compared to hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. SLPs may often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus slightly lower pay that includes health insurance options. Effective negotiation can enhance compensation and is vital for those working hourly, especially within a community like Kernersville where individual care settings can significantly impact pay scales.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Kernersville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Kernersville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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