Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Salt Lake City, UT: $51.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Salt Lake City, UT runs $51.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Salt Lake City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,721 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Salt Lake City, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to be $51.86 in 2026, which is notably above the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive wage opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week could earn a substantial amount by providing therapy in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, hospital inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and even telepractice environments. Entry-level positions may begin at around $33.12 per hour, whereas experienced professionals can command up to $67.39 in hourly pay, according to the latest official BLS data. This wide range reflects the diverse demand and environments where SLPs operate, allowing for flexibility and varied earning potential depending on caseload and clinical focus.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.12 | $264.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.84 | $350.74 |
| Median (P50) | $51.86 | $414.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.06 | $448.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.39 | $539.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salt Lake City
Based on $51.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.86/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salt Lake City, UT can expect to earn approximately $107,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,232. With a cost-of-living index of 100.87 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salt Lake City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salt Lake City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,074.39 | $8,989 | $107,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,244.64 | $5,393 | $64,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $829.76 | $3,596 | $43,147 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Salt Lake City) | $51.86 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $107,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.60% above the Utah state average of $101,200.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.86/hr = $64,721/year (purchasing power: $64,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,868/year (purchasing power: $106,940).
CoL index: 100.868 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Salt Lake City grew 24.9% from $39.94/hr (2019) to $49.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.93/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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
Part-time work as a speech-language pathologist in Salt Lake City can yield meaningful financial returns even with a reduced schedule. For instance, a professional employed for 24 hours a week may take home approximately $45,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still respectable for part-time efforts. Per diem, agency, or locum tenens opportunities present another lucrative avenue, where speech-language pathologists might bill $50-$75 per hour in various roles, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia could earn between $80 and $110 per hour, enhancing their income further. Different employment settings, including school districts, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices, offer varying hourly rates; typically, educational institutions may provide lower wages compared to medical facilities. Some practitioners may choose lower-paying positions that include benefits, emphasizing the balance between hourly rate and job security. For those considering positions in Salt Lake City, familiarity with local salary standards and the nuances of employer benefits can provide a strategic advantage during negotiations.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
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 Salt Lake City. 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