Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $51.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Harlingen, TX runs $51.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,836 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Harlingen, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $51.36, notably surpassing the national median of $48.93. This figure opens up diverse opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including school therapy rooms, hospital settings for dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and remote telepractice sessions. For those entering the field or working less frequently, the hourly range extends from $32.61 at the lower end to $68.48 for top earners, reflecting the demand for skilled SLPs in the community. These estimates derived from annual salary data illustrate the earning potential across different roles, highlighting the financial viability for individuals looking at flexible work arrangements within the industry.
Considering part-time work, a speech-language pathologist in Harlingen maintaining a schedule of three days a week, equivalent to 24 hours, will earn approximately $63,686 annually, substantially less than a full-time equivalent. Per diem speech-language pathologists typically command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while medical practitioners focusing on dysphagia could see rates ranging from $80 to $110 in cash practices. Telepractice workers, often classified as independent contractors, may earn between $40 and $60 based on their caseloads. Salaries across varied employers like school districts, hospitals, and private practices can differ significantly; many SLPs must weigh the allure of higher hourly rates against the benefits of steady employment. Negotiation remains key in Harlingen, especially when certain employers offer lower pay in exchange for health insurance and job stability versus higher rates available through temporary contracts.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.61 | $260.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.06 | $336.51 |
| Median (P50) | $51.36 | $410.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.19 | $473.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.48 | $547.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $51.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.36/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $106,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,633. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,054.43 | $8,903 | $106,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,232.66 | $5,342 | $64,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $821.77 | $3,561 | $42,732 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Harlingen) | $51.36 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $106,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 10.80% above the Texas state average of $96,423.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.36/hr = $64,098/year (purchasing power: $66,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,830/year (purchasing power: $111,281).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Harlingen grew 23.7% from $39.93/hr (2019) to $49.39/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.41/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 Harlingen 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.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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