Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $43.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Columbia, SC runs $43.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,324 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,793 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $43.90, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $48.93. This hourly wage can have significant implications for those working in various settings, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For part-time professionals who work three days a week, the rate allows for a sustainable income, while per-diem roles can also be quite lucrative given the flexibility they provide. With an hourly range starting at $30.44 for entry-level positions and climbing up to $57.60 for the most experienced clinicians, the opportunities for speech-language pathologists in Columbia cover a broad spectrum, offering a variety of settings to suit different preferences and lifestyles, all based on official projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.44 | $243.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.79 | $294.33 |
| Median (P50) | $43.90 | $351.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.03 | $424.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.60 | $460.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $43.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.90/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $91,322 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,685. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,756.18 | $7,610 | $91,322 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,053.71 | $4,566 | $54,793 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $702.47 | $3,044 | $36,529 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Columbia) | $43.90 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $91,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.90% below the South Carolina state average of $92,153.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.90/hr = $54,793/year (purchasing power: $58,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,322/year (purchasing power: $97,501).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Columbia grew 22.7% from $34.40/hr (2019) to $42.22/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.66/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
The earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists in Columbia can vary widely. For example, those working 24 hours a week could expect a take-home income of approximately $55,000 annually, which is still competitive and feasible compared to full-time roles. In the per-diem or agency sector, remuneration often exceeds the average hourly rate, with some billing between $50 and $75 for regular cases, and medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia commanding even higher rates, often between $80 and $110 per hour. In Columbia, hourly rates differ across various types of employers, such as school districts, hospitals, and private practices, creating diverse financial opportunities. Those in educational settings typically earn less but may enjoy the stability of benefits, while medical SLPs might pursue higher pay rates without benefits. For those in hourly roles, it’s crucial to negotiate effectively, as compensation can hinge on caseload, specialty, and the specific demands of each position or contract.
More salary data for Columbia, 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 Columbia. 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