Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $43.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Bluffton, SC runs $43.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,897 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bluffton, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $43.19, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This disparity suggests that those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, may find the earnings to be modest compared to national trends, particularly in settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. The hourly pay can range from $29.21 for entry-level positions to as high as $58.38 for seasoned professionals, indicating that while starting salaries may not be as competitive, experienced SLPs can command higher rates depending on their expertise and the demand for services. These estimates derive from annual salary data and reflect the nuances of the local market.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.21 | $233.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.94 | $279.53 |
| Median (P50) | $43.19 | $345.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.70 | $405.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.38 | $467.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $43.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.19/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $89,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,824. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.48 | $7,486 | $89,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.49 | $4,491 | $53,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.99 | $2,994 | $35,932 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Bluffton) | $43.19 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $89,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.50% below the South Carolina state average of $92,137.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.19/hr = $53,897/year (purchasing power: $58,904).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,829/year (purchasing power: $98,174).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bluffton grew 23.7% from $33.57/hr (2019) to $41.53/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.91/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
When examining the part-time earnings of speech-language pathologists, working 24 hours a week could yield approximately $53,000 annually, which contrasts with the full-time potential of around $89,834. For those in per-diеm positions, the financial incentive is more pronounced; many per diem speech-language pathologists in Bluffton bill between $50-$75 an hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can earn $80-$110 per hour. The type of employer also plays a significant role in determining hourly rates; school districts tend to offer less than hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. SLPs working in telepractice may also navigate varying pay rates, typically around $40-$60 per hour. Importantly, while some may opt for higher hourly rates that come without benefits, others might choose stability and health insurance, making it essential for clinicians to assess their priorities and negotiate appropriately for optimal compensation.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Bluffton?
Are speech-language pathologists in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Bluffton?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bluffton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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