Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $48.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in State College, PA runs $48.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,179 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $48.22 for 2026, slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This rate provides a solid income for part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week, allowing them to comfortably support themselves while enjoying a flexible schedule. Part-time SLPs might find themselves in various settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions, where they can contribute significantly to clients’ communication outcomes. For entry-level positions, the hourly wage starts at around $30.76, while experienced SLPs at the top end of the scale can earn up to $59.33 hourly, reflecting the diverse range of responsibilities and patient needs in the field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.76 | $246.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.50 | $315.96 |
| Median (P50) | $48.22 | $385.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.26 | $442.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.33 | $474.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $48.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.22/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $100,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,864. With a cost-of-living index of 96.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,928.81 | $8,358 | $100,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,157.28 | $5,015 | $60,179 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $771.52 | $3,343 | $40,119 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (State College) | $48.22 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $100,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.00% above the Pennsylvania state average of $98,342.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.22/hr = $60,179/year (purchasing power: $62,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,298/year (purchasing power: $103,654).
CoL index: 96.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in State College grew 11.0% from $41.78/hr (2019) to $46.37/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.14/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 State College 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 State College
Considering the part-time earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week might take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. For example, a per-diem speech-language pathologist in State College can expect to bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia potentially earning $80 to $110 per hour. Variations also depend on the employer type: school districts generally offer steadier schedules at lower rates, while outpatient pediatric clinics and skilled nursing facilities might pay more, albeit with less stability. While some professionals may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, others might choose positions that offer health insurance and retirement plans, weighing financial security against immediate earnings. Understanding these dynamics is essential for negotiating rates based on local demand and personal circumstances, allowing SLPs to make informed choices that align with their professional goals and lifestyle in State College.
More salary data for State College, 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 State College. 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