SLP Salary

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $48.93 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $48.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,061 per year.

$101,775
Median Annual Salary
$48.93/hr
Hourly Rate
$68,061
Entry Level (P10)
$136,268
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Rate in Virginia Beach, VA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Virginia Beach, VA speech-language pathologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Virginia Beach, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $48.93, which aligns with the national median hourly rate. This pay scale is advantageous for those considering part-time or per-diem work, as even a few shifts could yield significant income. For example, a part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week might earn around $1,176 during a typical work week based on this hourly rate. When we look at entry-level positions, hourly wages can start at $32.73, whereas seasoned professionals can earn as much as $65.51 per hour. This information is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data, reflecting the current market landscape and potential earning opportunities in various settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics.

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$32.73$261.81
Lower Range (P25)$40.10$320.79
Median (P50)$48.93$391.42
Upper Range (P75)$56.87$454.98
Top Earners (P90)$65.51$524.11

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach

Based on $48.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a speech-language pathologist in Virginia Beach earning $48.93/hr would make approximately $58,713 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $101,769 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$58,713Reduced (32 hr/wk)$78,284Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$101,769

At $48.93/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $101,769 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,713. With a cost-of-living index of 97.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Virginia Beach.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$391.42
per 8hr shift
$1,957.09
per week
$8,481
per month
$101,769
per year

Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,957.09$8,481$101,769
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,174.26$5,088$61,061
Per Diem (16 hrs)$782.84$3,392$40,708

Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Speech-Language Pathologist (Virginia Beach)$48.93
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing speech-language pathologist median salary in Virginia Beach ($101,775) with Virginia average ($97,114) and the US national median ($101,775).Virginia Beach$101,775Virginia Avg$97,114+4.80%US National$101,775+0.00%

Speech-Language Pathologists in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $101,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 4.80% above the Virginia state average of $97,114.

Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $48.93/hr = $61,061/year (purchasing power: $62,345).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,769/year (purchasing power: $103,908).

CoL index: 97.941 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$39.11/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$47.05/hr

2026 Current Est.

$48.93/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+30.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Virginia Beach (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach. Baseline $39.11/hr in 2025, projected to $50.88/hr by 2027.$36$40$45$49$532019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$39.11$39.93$38.15$40.14$41.65$46.72$47.05$48.93$50.88
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$39.11/hrActual
2020$39.93/hrActual
2021$38.15/hrActual
2022$40.14/hrActual
2023$41.65/hrActual
2024$46.72/hrActual
2025$47.05/hrActual
2026(current)$48.93/hrEstimated
2027$50.88/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach grew 20.3% from $39.11/hr (2019) to $47.05/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.88/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Virginia Beach

Examining the part-time earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours per week could net around $60,000 annually, which is substantially less than what full-time colleagues may take home. However, for those looking to explore the per-diem route, compensation can vary significantly. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Virginia Beach typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while medical specialists focusing on dysphagia may garner between $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Telepractice contracts can also differ, with rates running between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on caseload structures. Additionally, hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, whether it's a school district, hospital, skilled nursing facility, or private practice. While some might opt for higher hourly wages in settings without benefits, the trade-off often involves health insurance and job security when accepting lower rates in more stable positions. Negotiating pay can benefit from an understanding of local market trends in Virginia Beach, allowing speech-language pathologists to maximize their compensation while weighing the various types of employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach is $48.93/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.99% annual growth). Rates range from $32.73 at entry level (10th percentile) to $65.51 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Virginia Beach?

A part-time speech-language pathologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Virginia Beach earns approximately $5,088/month, or $61,061/year at the median hourly rate of $48.93. Many speech-language pathologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach paid hourly or salary?

The majority of speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach are paid hourly at a median rate of $48.93/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $101,769/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Virginia Beach?

A full-time speech-language pathologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Virginia Beach earns approximately $101,769/year at the median hourly rate of $48.93. This is 0.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $136,268/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Virginia Beach?

Part-time and per diem speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $65.51/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Virginia

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Fatima Ali, CCC-SLPData verified by Miguel Torres, CCC-SLP

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 Virginia Beach. 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

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