Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $45.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Waco, TX runs $45.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,285 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Waco, Texas, offers a median hourly rate of $45.10 for speech-language pathologists, which falls short of the national hourly median of $48.93. This hourly wage is indicative of the financial landscape for part-time professionals seeking work in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For those working a standard part-time schedule of three days per week, their earnings may vary widely depending on experience and the types of clients they serve. The hourly pay can range from $31.54 for entry-level positions to as much as $67.16 for the highest earners in the field, pointing to diverse opportunities for speech-language pathologists across Waco’s healthcare and educational systems.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.54 | $252.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.20 | $305.56 |
| Median (P50) | $45.10 | $360.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.59 | $436.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.16 | $537.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $45.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.10/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $93,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,121. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,804.02 | $7,817 | $93,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,082.41 | $4,690 | $56,285 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $721.61 | $3,127 | $37,524 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Waco) | $45.10 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $93,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.82% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.70% below the Texas state average of $96,423.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.10/hr = $56,285/year (purchasing power: $60,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,809/year (purchasing power: $101,360).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Waco grew 28.5% from $33.74/hr (2019) to $43.37/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.90/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 Waco 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 Waco
When evaluating earning potential, part-time speech-language pathologists in Waco who work a 24-hour week can expect to take home an annual income significantly lower than those in full-time positions, while flexibility is often a trade-off. For per-diem speech-language pathologists, compensation varies widely; hourly rates typically fall between $50 and $75, with specialized medical roles focused on dysphagia demanding $80 to $110 per hour. Different employer types contribute to this variability: school districts often pay less compared to hospital settings or private practices, impacting job satisfaction and stability. Many professionals face the consideration of hourly pay versus benefits; some accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job security. Negotiating pay effectively in Waco involves understanding market rates and the specific needs of employers in both school and healthcare settings, empowering speech-language pathologists to make informed decisions about their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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