Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $47.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Cincinnati, OH runs $47.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,854 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists stands at $47.96, slightly below the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate reflects the various settings where SLPs typically find employment, from school therapy rooms for children to inpatient rehabilitation facilities and telepractice sessions. For professionals working part-time—say, three days a week—this translates to significant earning potential, particularly when considering flexible schedules that accommodate family and personal commitments. Entry-level SLPs in Cincinnati may start around $30.64 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $63.80, indicating a robust progression in compensation as skills and experience increase. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates this range, providing a valuable benchmark for both current and aspiring speech-language pathologists in the area.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.64 | $245.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.40 | $315.21 |
| Median (P50) | $47.96 | $383.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.76 | $430.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.80 | $510.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $47.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.96/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $99,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,552. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.41 | $8,313 | $99,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.04 | $4,988 | $59,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.36 | $3,325 | $39,903 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Cincinnati) | $47.96 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $99,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.20% above the Ohio state average of $95,737.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.96/hr = $59,854/year (purchasing power: $62,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,757/year (purchasing power: $104,600).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cincinnati grew 28.1% from $36.00/hr (2019) to $46.12/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.87/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
For those considering a part-time schedule, an SLP working 24 hours a week would take home around $61,825 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. However, this balance allows for flexibility, which can be appealing. Per diem and agency speech-language pathologists in Cincinnati often see higher rates, commonly billing between $50 to $75 an hour, with specialized fields like dysphagia reaching $80 to $110 per hour in some cash-based practices. The variation in hourly pay across different employer types is notable; school districts typically offer lower rates with benefits, while medical facilities and private practices might provide higher pay without additional perks. As the demand for telepractice continues to grow in the post-2020 workforce, many SLPs are securing contracts that range from $40 to $60 per hour. Those negotiating hourly pay should consider the trade-off between higher rates and the benefits that may be critical, especially for those just starting their career or transitioning to different settings in Cincinnati, OH.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
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 Cincinnati. 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