Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $49.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Charleston, SC runs $49.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,645 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is projected to be $49.40 in 2026, exceeding the national median of $48.93. This rate offers a competitive edge for part-time professionals, allowing those working three days a week to earn a substantial income while fitting work around other commitments or life events. For per-diem speech-language pathologists, their roles in diverse settings—from school therapy rooms to telepractice sessions—provide flexibility while earning hourly pay between $24.99 and $65.73. The range reflects the difference between entry-level positions and seasoned professionals, confirming that Charleston's speech-language pathologist hourly rate aligns well with industry standards based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.99 | $199.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.81 |
| Median (P50) | $49.40 | $395.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.16 | $489.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.73 | $525.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $49.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.40/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $102,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,274. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,975.81 | $8,562 | $102,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.49 | $5,137 | $61,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.32 | $3,425 | $41,097 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Charleston) | $49.40 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $102,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.94% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 11.50% above the South Carolina state average of $92,136.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.40/hr = $61,645/year (purchasing power: $61,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,742/year (purchasing power: $101,763).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Charleston grew 31.8% from $36.05/hr (2019) to $47.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.37/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For a speech-language pathologist working part-time in Charleston at 24 hours per week, earnings could total around $61,632 annually, which is significantly less than the potential within full-time roles but still a viable option for those seeking balance. Per-diem opportunities can offer even higher financial returns, with rates for per diem speech-language pathologists ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. In more specialized medical settings, such as dysphagia treatments, rates can spike to between $80 and $110. Hourly rates can vary based on employer type; school districts, which account for the majority of SLPs, may offer different compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities or private practices. While a higher hourly wage can be enticing, speech-language pathologists must consider the benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance and retirement plans, against the flexibility of freelance or per diem work. To negotiate effectively for hourly rates, it’s crucial for professionals to research local pay scales, understand their worth based on experience and specialization, and utilize their professional credentials from ASHA and CCC-SLP when discussing potential compensation.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
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 Charleston. 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