Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Richmond, VA: $48.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Richmond, VA runs $48.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,945 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Richmond, Virginia, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to reach $48.03 by 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate offers various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within a range of settings, including therapy rooms in schools, bedside dysphagia evaluations in hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and telepractice sessions. For entry-level speech-language pathologists just starting in their careers, hourly wages begin around $33.85, while those in more specialized or experienced roles can earn up to $62.39 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underscores the potential for flexible work arrangements that can accommodate different careers and lifestyles in the growing field of speech-language pathology.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.85 | $270.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.76 | $326.11 |
| Median (P50) | $48.03 | $384.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.39 | $467.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.39 | $499.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $48.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.03/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, VA can expect to earn approximately $99,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,640. With a cost-of-living index of 97.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,921.32 | $8,326 | $99,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,152.79 | $4,995 | $59,945 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $768.53 | $3,330 | $39,963 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Richmond) | $48.03 |
| 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 Richmond, VA earn a median of $99,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.90% above the Virginia state average of $97,098.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.03/hr = $59,945/year (purchasing power: $61,257).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,909/year (purchasing power: $102,095).
CoL index: 97.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Richmond grew 17.6% from $39.27/hr (2019) to $46.19/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.95/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering part-time work in Richmond, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week—around 24 hours—can expect to take home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts. While full-time positions may offer steady salaries, per-diem or locum tenens roles allow for varied earnings and flexibility. In fact, per diem speech-language pathologists typically bill $50-$75 per hour, and those specializing in medical settings might command rates from $80 to $110, reflecting the healthcare market's demand for specific skills. In Richmond, expectations for hourly pay vary by employer; school districts may not match the compensation seen in medical facilities or private practices, where higher hourly wages can be offset by the absence of benefits. Many SLPs find themselves weighing these options carefully. For negotiating salaries, especially in specialized roles, it’s wise to highlight any unique expertise or relevant experience to make a case for higher rates.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
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 Richmond. 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