Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $44.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Sterling, VA runs $44.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,202 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $44.81 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.93. This discrepancy can influence the earnings of part-time or per-diem SLPs working in various environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings. For those working three days a week, the hourly rate allows for flexible schedules while still providing a reasonable income. The hourly range for speech-language pathologists in Sterling runs from $30.72 at the entry level to $59.80 for those at the top of their field. It’s essential to consider that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary figures and demonstrate the earning potential across different settings in the region.
About the Sterling 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) | $30.72 | $245.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.70 | $285.60 |
| Median (P50) | $44.81 | $358.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.00 | $415.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.80 | $478.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $44.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.81/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $93,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,771. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,792.37 | $7,767 | $93,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,075.42 | $4,660 | $55,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $716.95 | $3,107 | $37,281 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Sterling) | $44.81 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $93,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.42% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $97,187.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.81/hr = $55,922/year (purchasing power: $54,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,203/year (purchasing power: $90,313).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sterling grew 23.7% from $34.83/hr (2019) to $43.09/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.60/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When assessing the financial prospects for part-time speech-language pathologists in Sterling, significant differences can arise compared to full-time positions. A part-time SLP working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $52,800 annually, providing a comfortable yet lower-than-average income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency positions often offer higher hourly rates, with cash practices for medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia reaching between $80 and $110 per hour. Meanwhile, telepractice jobs might range from $40 to $60 hourly, reflecting the growing demand in that sector. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on employer type; for instance, school districts typically have set pay scales, while outpatient clinics and private practices may offer more negotiable rates. Those opting for lower hourly wages may do so for benefits, such as health insurance. When negotiating offers, SLPs in Sterling should weigh the value of benefits against higher pay rates that might come without additional perks.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Sterling?
Are speech-language pathologists in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Sterling?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
Related Pages
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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