Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $46.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Chattanooga, TN runs $46.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,492 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, the projected median speech-language pathologist hourly pay stands at $46.87, slightly lower than the national median of $48.93. This figure is particularly relevant for professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles, often found in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and hospital environments. Those in a part-time position, such as working three days a week, can still achieve solid earnings while having the flexibility that comes with fewer hours. Entry-level positions typically start at about $30.43 per hour, while top earners in the field can reach up to $61.55 per hour. These numbers are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and they underscore the diverse compensation landscape for speech-language pathologists in the region.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.43 | $243.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.41 | $315.30 |
| Median (P50) | $46.87 | $374.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.39 | $427.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.55 | $492.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $46.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.87/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $97,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,242. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.73 | $8,124 | $97,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.84 | $4,874 | $58,492 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.89 | $3,250 | $38,994 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Chattanooga) | $46.87 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $97,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.22% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 13.10% above the Tennessee state average of $86,189.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.87/hr = $58,492/year (purchasing power: $63,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,486/year (purchasing power: $106,584).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chattanooga grew 6.8% from $42.20/hr (2019) to $45.07/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.74/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Focusing on part-time earnings, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week can take home a significant annual salary, although less than what a full-time salary would yield. Per-diem speech-language pathologist pay in Chattanooga often falls in the range of $50 to $75 per hour, particularly in acute care settings where specialized skills, such as dysphagia evaluations, can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. The employer type influences pay rates: school districts, while being the largest employers, generally offer lower compensation compared to medical settings like skilled nursing facilities or telepractice agencies. Some professionals opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits, while others choose positions with higher wages but no health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies are crucial for hourly workers, especially in balancing salary expectations with benefits in a competitive field.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Chattanooga?
Are speech-language pathologists in Chattanooga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Chattanooga?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chattanooga?
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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 Chattanooga. 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