Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in San Juan, PR: $25.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in San Juan, PR runs $25.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,393 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 is $25.96, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This pay level indicates a diverse range of earnings for professionals in this field, with entry-level SLPs earning around $23.92 per hour and top earners reaching up to $49.95. For speech-language pathologists working part-time, such as those in school settings or medical facilities, this hourly wage translates to different financial realities based on work schedules. For instance, a 24-hour workweek could yield an income of approximately $622 weekly, facilitating a manageable balance for many SLPs. Those opting for per-diem roles in various settings—like outpatient clinics or telepractice—might experience variable earnings based on demand and work hours, contributing to a dynamic earning environment in the field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.92 | $191.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.00 | $192.01 |
| Median (P50) | $25.96 | $207.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.61 | $380.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.95 | $399.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Juan
Based on $25.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.96/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Juan, PR can expect to earn approximately $53,988 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,147.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Juan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,038.24 | $4,499 | $53,988 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.94 | $2,699 | $32,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.29 | $1,800 | $21,595 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (San Juan) | $25.96 |
| 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 San Juan, PR earn a median of $53,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.95% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 29.30% below the Puerto Rico state average of $76,367.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Juan grew 37.9% from $18.10/hr (2019) to $24.96/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.99/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 San Juan 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 San Juan
When considering the per diem speech-language pathologist pay in San Juan, earnings can significantly exceed the hourly rates obtained through full-time employment. Many per-diem and agency speech-language pathologists charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia often commanding rates of $80 to $110 in private practice settings. This can create a substantial income disparity when compared with salaries in schools or outpatient clinics. Moreover, telepractice has expanded its foothold in the profession since the pandemic, providing opportunities that pay $40 to $60 per hour, depending on caseload. Despite the aim for higher pay, some SLPs might choose lower hourly rates with the benefit of health insurance and job security. In negotiating their salaries, SLPs in San Juan should communicate their specific skill sets clearly, emphasizing the demand for their area of expertise, whether in schools or medical settings, to leverage better offers.
More salary data for San Juan, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in San Juan in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in San Juan?
Are speech-language pathologists in San Juan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in San Juan?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Juan?
Related Pages
Career Resources
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 San Juan. 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