Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $50.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Olympia, WA runs $50.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,268 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, speech-language pathologists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $50.70, surpassing the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate reflects the diverse settings in which SLPs operate, including school therapy rooms, hospital beds for dysphagia evaluations, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even telepractice sessions. For those considering part-time roles at about three days a week, this hourly rate can be quite lucrative, providing flexible earnings that cater to various work schedules. The hourly range for SLPs spans from $44.29 for entry-level positions to $62.54 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the variety of opportunities available in Olympia's job market. This data is sourced from projections using 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.29 | $354.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.62 | $404.98 |
| Median (P50) | $50.70 | $405.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.33 | $466.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.54 | $500.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $50.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.70/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $105,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,834. With a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,027.81 | $8,787 | $105,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,216.68 | $5,272 | $63,268 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.12 | $3,515 | $42,178 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Olympia) | $50.70 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $105,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $106,511.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.70/hr = $63,268/year (purchasing power: $61,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,446/year (purchasing power: $101,713).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Olympia grew 27.5% from $38.23/hr (2019) to $48.75/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.72/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
The financial prospects for part-time speech-language pathologists in Olympia are notable, as a clinician working just 24 hours a week at the median rate could bring home approximately $62,078 each year, a substantial income compared to many other part-time roles. Among per-diem or agency workers, compensation tends to vary greatly, with typical rates falling between $50-$75 per hour. In specialized medical settings, particularly for those evaluating dysphagia, rates can escalate to $80-$110 per hour. Employers like school districts, hospitals, and private practices offer different hourly rates, with schools often providing more stable hours and benefits, conversely to hospitals or teletherapy settings where rates may be higher but come without insurance. For those negotiating pay in Olympia, it’s wise to consider the overall compensation package, weighing the hourly pay against benefits like health insurance and retirement options, which are often essential for long-term financial security.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Olympia in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Olympia?
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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 Olympia. 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