Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $43.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Altoona, PA runs $43.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,949 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist stands at $43.23. When compared to the national hourly median of $48.93, this figure highlights a significant regional variation. For part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week, this translates to an estimated gross income of around $1,040 weekly, a figure that can support living expenses in a city with a cost of living index below the national average. Entry-level salaries begin around $32.05, while advanced professionals can earn as much as $59.33 per hour, showcasing a range that reflects varying levels of expertise and the settings in which they work—from school therapy rooms to outpatient clinics. These numbers are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.05 | $256.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.66 | $277.28 |
| Median (P50) | $43.23 | $345.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.19 | $409.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.33 | $474.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $43.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.23/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $89,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,874. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,729.15 | $7,493 | $89,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,037.49 | $4,496 | $53,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.66 | $2,997 | $35,966 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Altoona) | $43.23 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $89,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.65% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 8.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $98,273.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.23/hr = $53,949/year (purchasing power: $60,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,916/year (purchasing power: $100,456).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Altoona grew 23.6% from $33.64/hr (2019) to $41.57/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.95/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
The part-time earning potential for a speech-language pathologist can be robust, especially for those who work diligently to build their caseloads. A part-timer securing 24 hours a week at the median rate would earn around $54,000 annually, markedly less than a full-time peer. Many per diem speech-language pathologists can expect hourly pay in the range of $50 to $75, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially making up to $110 per hour in cash practices. These varying rates underscore how employer type influences earnings; while school-based positions generally provide steadier hours and benefits, some SLPs opt for higher hourly pay in settings like outpatient pediatric clinics or telepractice, which surged after the pandemic. Negotiation for favorable hourly rates can benefit from a clear understanding of local demand and specialization needs within Altoona, enabling one to either negotiate for benefits or higher pay without them, based on personal circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
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 Altoona. 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