Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $45.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Chester, PA runs $45.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $45.66, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.93. This rate offers flexible opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work across various settings such as school therapy rooms—both push-in and pull-out, inpatient hospital settings for bedside dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice environments. Those entering the field can expect hourly wages starting around $32.03, while experienced professionals can earn up to $58.75, showcasing the wide earning potential based on experience and work environment. The hourly rates provided here are estimated from annual salary data, serving as a useful perspective for prospective speech-language pathologists in Chester.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.03 | $256.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.79 | $302.32 |
| Median (P50) | $45.66 | $365.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.65 | $413.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.75 | $470.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $45.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.66/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $94,977 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,794. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,826.48 | $7,915 | $94,977 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,095.89 | $4,749 | $56,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $730.59 | $3,166 | $37,991 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Chester) | $45.66 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $94,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.67% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $98,329.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.66/hr = $56,986/year (purchasing power: $58,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,977/year (purchasing power: $97,512).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chester grew 23.7% from $35.50/hr (2019) to $43.91/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.48/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 Chester 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 Chester
For those considering part-time positions, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—might net an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, impacted by fewer work hours yet maintaining a competitive hourly pay. Additionally, per-diem roles in Chester can be financially lucrative; many SLPs bill around $50 to $75 per hour, with specific medical practices focusing on dysphagia offering even higher rates between $80 and $110 per hour. Depending on the employer, hourly wages can fluctuate significantly; school districts may afford more stability but tend to pay less than skilled nursing facilities or private practice settings. Some professionals may opt for lower-paying positions with benefits, while others prefer higher hourly rates without those added perks. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing unique qualifications and current market trends can enhance the likelihood of securing a better hourly rate reflective of their specialized skills.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Chester?
Are speech-language pathologists in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Chester?
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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 Chester. 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 Chester 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