Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $44.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $44.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Ridge, Virginia, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $44.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. This rate translates well for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those operating in various therapeutic environments such as schools or outpatient clinics. For instance, a speech-language pathologist working part-time, say three days a week, can still earn a significant income balancing hours between school therapy rooms and outpatient settings. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $29.42 an hour, while top earners in this field may make as much as $59.50 an hour. These figures represent the evolving landscape of the profession and are estimates derived from annual salary data projected to 2026, reflecting the diverse job opportunities and wage potentials available to speech-language pathologists in Lake Ridge.
About the Lake Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.42 | $235.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.57 | $284.60 |
| Median (P50) | $44.75 | $357.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.92 | $415.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.50 | $476.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $44.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.75/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $93,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,696. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,789.88 | $7,756 | $93,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,073.93 | $4,654 | $55,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $715.95 | $3,102 | $37,229 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lake Ridge) | $44.75 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $93,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $97,162.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.75/hr = $55,844/year (purchasing power: $54,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,074/year (purchasing power: $90,188).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lake Ridge grew 23.7% from $34.79/hr (2019) to $43.03/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.53/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
Part-time opportunities can yield varying annual earnings based on hours worked, with a speech-language pathologist putting in 24 hours a week taking home considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those choosing per-diem routes, compensation often ranges from $50-$75 per hour, while specialized medical speech-language pathologists addressing dysphagia can command rates as high as $80-$110 per hour. Telepractice options have also broadened, typically running between $40-$60 per hour depending on the structure of clientele. In Lake Ridge, the type of employer greatly influences hourly rates—school districts generally offer competitive salaries while skilled nursing facilities may present more opportunities with lower benefits. Selecting between roles that offer health insurance versus those that may provide higher hourly wages without benefits often leads to a critical decision. As contracts and negotiations are vital in the hourly landscape, speech-language pathologists can leverage local demand and specialties to secure optimal pay within this thriving profession.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lake Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Lake Ridge?
Are speech-language pathologists in Lake Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Lake Ridge?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Ridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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