Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $40.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $40.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,042 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is $40.90, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy highlights the local market's structure and economic factors affecting the profession in the region. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,300 per week before taxes, making it a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem speech-language pathologists can also find lucrative opportunities, with pay rates in varied settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly pay range for this occupation in Pittsburgh goes from $25.83 at entry-level positions to $59.20 for seasoned professionals, showcasing a potential for significant earnings based on experience and setting.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.83 | $206.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.91 | $247.25 |
| Median (P50) | $40.90 | $327.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.07 | $400.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.20 | $473.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $40.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.90/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $85,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,079. With a cost-of-living index of 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,635.97 | $7,089 | $85,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.58 | $4,254 | $51,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.39 | $2,836 | $34,028 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Pittsburgh) | $40.90 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $85,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.41% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 13.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $98,352.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.90/hr = $51,042/year (purchasing power: $53,915).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,070/year (purchasing power: $89,859).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Pittsburgh grew 8.8% from $36.16/hr (2019) to $39.33/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.53/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
When considering the yearly income for a part-time speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week, the earnings could reach around $63,351 annually. In comparison, full-time SLPs enjoy higher annual salaries but may face more demanding schedules. The per-diem or agency model presents a different reality, as some paid positions can charge $50 to $75 per hour while medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia have the potential to command $80 to $110 per hour within cash practices. Furthermore, in Pittsburgh, hourly rates tend to vary across employer types, with school districts generally offering lower rates compared to private practices or telepractice agencies. Many in the field weigh the trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages in schools that provide benefits versus seeking higher hourly compensation without the safety net of health insurance. Negotiating pay can be crucial for hourly workers in this field—local market insights and understanding individual worth can play a significant part in securing better compensation in Pittsburgh.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Pittsburgh in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Pittsburgh?
Are speech-language pathologists in Pittsburgh paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Pittsburgh?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Pittsburgh?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Pittsburgh. 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