Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $53.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Portland, OR runs $53.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,161 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For those pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist in Portland, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is $53.81. This rate exceeds the national median of $48.93, highlighting the competitive nature of this profession in the city. The wide hourly range—from $40.86 at the lower end to $71.89 for highly experienced professionals—not only reflects varying levels of expertise but also the different work settings. Part-time and per-diem workers, such as those engaged in telepractice or school therapy, can benefit significantly from this pay structure as they navigate diverse roles. Whether conducting bedside dysphagia evaluations in hospitals or providing articulation therapy in outpatient clinics, the earning potential offers substantial opportunities for speech-language pathologists working in various contexts.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.86 | $326.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.10 | $376.78 |
| Median (P50) | $53.81 | $430.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.79 | $526.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.89 | $575.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $53.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.81/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $111,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,578. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,152.59 | $9,328 | $111,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,291.56 | $5,597 | $67,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $861.04 | $3,731 | $44,774 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Portland) | $53.81 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $111,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 4.10% above the Oregon state average of $107,536.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.81/hr = $67,161/year (purchasing power: $63,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,935/year (purchasing power: $106,179).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Portland grew 33.9% from $38.66/hr (2019) to $51.75/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.96/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 Portland 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 Portland
Analyzing the compensation structure further reveals intriguing earning scenarios for varying work arrangements. A speech-language pathologist working three days a week, or 24 hours, could anticipate an annual earnings figure that positions them comfortably in Portland's healthcare landscape, although notably less than a full-time salary. Per-diem speech-language pathologists in the city often command rates of $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia may charge between $80 and $110 in cash practices. Additionally, telepractice contracts can range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the caseload. Various employer settings influence pay scales; school districts often provide lower hourly rates, but they offer the advantage of health insurance, while private practices may favor higher hourly wages. For those in the field, negotiating an hourly wage should involve discussions around benefits versus cash rates, especially in a market as competitive as Portland, Oregon.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Portland?
Are speech-language pathologists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Portland?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Portland. 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