Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Sanford, NC runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $41.53, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This wage can greatly influence both part-time SLPs and per-diem practitioners working in various settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. For example, a part-time SLP working three days a week may find this hourly pay attractive, allowing for flexible schedules while providing enough income to support their practice. The hourly rate range for SLPs in Sanford spans from $26.91 for entry-level positions to $55.06 for seasoned professionals, which reflects the diversity of roles and responsibilities in this field.
About the Sanford 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) | $26.91 | $215.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.86 | $262.89 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.96 | $383.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.06 | $440.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,840. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.34 | $7,199 | $86,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.81 | $4,319 | $51,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.54 | $2,880 | $34,556 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Sanford) | $41.53 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $86,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,607.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,834/year (purchasing power: $55,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,390/year (purchasing power: $92,297).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sanford grew 23.7% from $32.29/hr (2019) to $39.94/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.19/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
When considering a part-time schedule, an SLP who works 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would earn $43,265 annually, a substantial income compared to full-time counterparts. In the realm of per-diem work, SLPs can charge significantly more; for instance, some agencies bill $50-$75 per hour, while medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia can earn even more, reaching $80-$110 per hour. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, with school districts typically offering lower rates while medical facilities like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities tend to provide higher pay. Additionally, negotiating an hourly wage involves balancing rates against benefits like health insurance, which are sometimes available for lower-paying but stable jobs. SLPs working in Sanford should also consider practical negotiation strategies, such as understanding local market trends and being clear on their unique skill sets to secure fair compensation.
More salary data for Sanford, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Sanford?
Are speech-language pathologists in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Sanford?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sanford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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