Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $53.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Austin, TX runs $53.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,317 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Speech-language pathologists in Austin, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $53.14, which exceeds the national median of $48.93. This competitive pay can be especially advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, such as those involved in school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or telepractice sessions. With an hourly range of $38.56 for entry-level positions up to $63.12 for more experienced professionals, the variability reflects the diverse settings where SLPs operate, from school districts to healthcare facilities. Official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reveal how these hourly earnings align with the demand for services across different populations, making it a compelling career choice in Austin.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.56 | $308.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.55 | $396.41 |
| Median (P50) | $53.14 | $425.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.12 | $504.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.12 | $504.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $53.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.14/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $110,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,767. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,125.56 | $9,211 | $110,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,275.33 | $5,526 | $66,317 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $850.22 | $3,684 | $44,212 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Austin) | $53.14 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $110,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 14.70% above the Texas state average of $96,365.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.14/hr = $66,317/year (purchasing power: $67,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,529/year (purchasing power: $112,709).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+66.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Austin grew 54.2% from $33.13/hr (2019) to $51.10/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.26/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 Austin 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 Austin
Considering the part-time earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to take home a substantial income annually, adjusted for fewer workdays compared to full-time clinicians. Per diem or locum SLPs often bill between $50 and $75 an hour, with medical specialists focusing on dysphagia commanding up to $110 per hour in cash practices. Various employers in Austin provide differing hourly rates; while school districts might offer stable, slightly lower wages, private practices and teletherapy agencies can present higher pay but may lack traditional benefits. As a result, SLPs often face a trade-off when accepting positions—valuing job security and health insurance against higher hourly pay without those perks. For those negotiating their pay, it’s wise to highlight specialized skills while understanding the competitive nature of the market in Austin, allowing for informed decision-making regarding compensation and benefits.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
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 Austin. 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