Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $45.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Suffolk, VA runs $45.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,508 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $45.92, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Suffolk, Virginia, earn slightly less than the national average of $48.93. This pay characteristic makes the profession appealing for part-time workers, particularly those seeking flexible arrangements like three-day workweeks in various environments such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. The hourly rates for SLPs in Suffolk can range from $31.01 for entry-level positions to $65.10 for experienced professionals. In this context, the hourly compensation reflects a balance of professional expertise and the specific demands of the role, whether in direct patient care, telepractice, or collaborative educational settings.
About the Suffolk 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) | $31.01 | $248.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.25 | $297.99 |
| Median (P50) | $45.92 | $367.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.63 | $421.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.10 | $520.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $45.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.92/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $95,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,106. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,836.88 | $7,960 | $95,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,102.13 | $4,776 | $57,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.75 | $3,184 | $38,207 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Suffolk) | $45.92 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $95,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $97,159.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.92/hr = $57,311/year (purchasing power: $55,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,518/year (purchasing power: $92,556).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Suffolk grew 23.7% from $35.70/hr (2019) to $44.16/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.75/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
For those considering part-time employment, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week (24 hours total) could expect to bring home approximately $56,627 annually, which differs significantly from full-time earnings. Per-diem interventions are also a lucrative alternative, as SLPs may charge between $50 and $75 hourly, with specialized medical positions in dysphagia able to reach $80-$110 hourly in private practices. In Suffolk, the employer type shapes the pay structure considerably; for instance, school districts tend to offer lower hourly wages compared to medical facilities and telepractice agencies. Many SLPs face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that provide health insurance and job security. When negotiating positions, it’s advantageous for speech-language pathologists to highlight specific skills aligned with their intended work settings, in addition to understanding the local market to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Suffolk?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Suffolk?
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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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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