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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.88/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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 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.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Virginia Beach?
Are speech-language pathologists in Virginia Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Virginia Beach?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Virginia Beach?
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 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