Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Oklahoma City, OK: $44.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Oklahoma City, OK runs $44.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Oklahoma City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,065 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oklahoma City, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $44.12 for 2026, below the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate reflects a range from $28.49 at the lower end to $63.95 for the highest earners in the field. For part-time workers who typically operate three days a week, this translates into an earnings potential that allows for flexible work-life balance across various settings, including schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. As many speech-language pathologists engage in diverse employment opportunities, the spectrum of hourly pay can accommodate entry-level positions clear up to experienced professionals conducting dysphagia assessments in hospitals or specialized therapy sessions across skilled nursing facilities. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and provide an essential understanding of compensation expectations for professionals in this rewarding field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.49 | $227.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.32 | $258.56 |
| Median (P50) | $44.12 | $352.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.00 | $415.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.95 | $511.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oklahoma City
Based on $44.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.12/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oklahoma City, OK can expect to earn approximately $91,776 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,948. With a cost-of-living index of 90.41 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oklahoma City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oklahoma City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,764.92 | $7,648 | $91,776 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,058.95 | $4,589 | $55,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $705.97 | $3,059 | $36,710 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Oklahoma City) | $44.12 |
| 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 Oklahoma City, OK earn a median of $91,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.83% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $90,504.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.12/hr = $55,065/year (purchasing power: $60,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,776/year (purchasing power: $101,513).
CoL index: 90.408 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Oklahoma City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma City grew 5.5% from $40.23/hr (2019) to $42.43/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.88/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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City
While full-time speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma City can expect stable salaries, those opting for part-time schedules or per diem work will experience a different financial landscape. A part-time SLP working 24 hours a week might take home a significantly different annual income compared to a full-time peer, potentially adjusting their financial commitments and opportunities for continuing education. On the other hand, per diem speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma City frequently bill rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focused on dysphagia reaching up to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice contracts offer competitive pay at $40 to $60 per hour, further diversifying income opportunities within the profession. Given the variances in employer settings—such as school districts primarily employing SLPs versus those in medical facilities—negotiation can play a key role in achieving optimal pay. Many may accept lower hourly rates for better health benefits, while others pursue higher pay without the safety net of traditional job benefits. Those familiar with the local market dynamics can leverage their knowledge, ensuring they advocate effectively for their worth in Oklahoma City’s speech-language pathology environment.
More salary data for Oklahoma City, OK:
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 Oklahoma City. 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