Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wooster, OH: $44.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wooster, OH runs $44.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wooster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,559 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wooster, Ohio, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist in 2026 is $44.52, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy reflects regional differences in demand and cost of living, as the city offers various practice settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For part-time or per diem workers, typically engaging for about three days a week, this rate suggests a solid earning potential but may not always equate to the financial benefits found in larger urban centers. Hourly earnings in Wooster can range from $31.13 for entry-level positions to $60.15 for experienced practitioners, providing opportunities for a diverse range of clinicians—whether they are working in pediatric clinics or conducting bedside evaluations in medical facilities.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.13 | $249.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.92 | $295.33 |
| Median (P50) | $44.52 | $356.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.44 | $403.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.15 | $481.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wooster
Based on $44.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.52/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wooster, OH can expect to earn approximately $92,598 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,422. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wooster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wooster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,780.72 | $7,716 | $92,598 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,068.43 | $4,630 | $55,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $712.29 | $3,087 | $37,039 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wooster) | $44.52 |
| 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 Wooster, OH earn a median of $92,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $95,663.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.52/hr = $55,559/year (purchasing power: $61,255).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,598/year (purchasing power: $102,092).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wooster grew 23.7% from $34.61/hr (2019) to $42.81/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.29/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 Wooster 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 Wooster
Examining the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in Wooster, those working around 24 hours a week can take home roughly $55,000 annually, which is a favorable alternative to full-time roles if managed correctly. However, many professionals in the field may find that per diem or agency work is even more lucrative. For instance, per diem speech-language pathologists often command rates between $50 to $75 per hour, while medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia may earn between $80 and $110 per hour within cash practices. Additionally, telepractice contracts can vary significantly based on caseloads, typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour. The variety in hourly rates across different settings—like schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics—invites unique negotiations regarding benefits, with some opting for lower hourly pay in exchange for job security and health insurance. It’s advisable for Wooster SLPs to consider their long-term career goals and financial needs when evaluating job offers, particularly in this evolving market.
More salary data for Wooster, 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 Wooster. 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 Wooster 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