Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $41.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $41.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,821 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $41.52 in 2026, speech-language pathologists in Wake Forest, NC, earn significantly less than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This difference can influence both part-time and per-diem work scenarios. For instance, a part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week could earn around $41,000 annually, depending on hours worked, while per-diem workers typically roam various settings, from school therapy rooms to outpatient clinics, where they can command a pay rate that varies widely. The hourly pay range spans from $28.23 at the entry level to as high as $57.69 for top earners, reflecting a diverse employment landscape that includes schools, outpatient facilities, and telepractice options that have grown significantly since 2020.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $28.23 | $225.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.91 | $263.30 |
| Median (P50) | $41.52 | $332.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.26 | $394.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.69 | $461.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $41.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.52/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,828. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,660.93 | $7,197 | $86,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.56 | $4,318 | $51,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.37 | $2,879 | $34,547 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wake Forest) | $41.52 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $86,378 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 $87,605.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.52/hr = $51,821/year (purchasing power: $55,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,368/year (purchasing power: $92,274).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wake Forest grew 23.7% from $32.28/hr (2019) to $39.93/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.18/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
For those considering part-time opportunities, a three-day work schedule translating to 24 hours a week allows speech-language pathologists to balance personal commitments while still earning a respectable income. Annually, this part-time role could yield around $51,172 before taxes, positioning it below full-time earnings but still viable for many practitioners. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Wake Forest is competitive, with professionals often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, particularly in medical facilities specializing in dysphagia treatments, where rates might reach $80 to $110 per hour. Proficiency in telepractice could command $40 to $60 per hour, an appealing option given the flexibility it offers. It's essential to assess employer types when negotiating rates; while school districts typically offer lower pay, positions in hospitals or private practices often present higher compensation, albeit with fewer benefits. Speech-language pathologists seeking roles should carefully consider these variables, advocating for fair compensation while weighing the benefits of full-time positions that include health insurance against the potentially higher hourly pay of part-time roles without such coverage.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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