Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $54.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Seattle, WA runs $54.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,810 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Seattle, WA, is projected to reach a median of $54.33, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $48.93. For a part-time SLP working three days a week, this offers a significant earning potential in various environments, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. With an hourly range stretching from $42.59 for entry-level positions to as much as $67.46 for the most experienced practitioners, Seattle's job market reflects a competitive landscape for speech-language pathologists. This data is derived from the BLS OEWS, indicating that SLPs have numerous options to tailor their work schedules while still receiving a thriving pay rate in their field.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.59 | $340.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.49 | $395.91 |
| Median (P50) | $54.33 | $434.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.94 | $511.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.46 | $539.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $54.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.33/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $113,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,202. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,173.39 | $9,418 | $113,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,304.03 | $5,651 | $67,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $869.36 | $3,767 | $45,207 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Seattle) | $54.33 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $113,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.06% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.10% above the Washington state average of $106,528.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.33/hr = $67,810/year (purchasing power: $61,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,016/year (purchasing power: $101,695).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Seattle grew 39.0% from $37.60/hr (2019) to $52.25/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.50/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
For those considering part-time work, an SLP employed 24 hours a week at the Seattle hourly rate can anticipate a solid income compared to a full-time position due to the nature of work, which may vary by employer type. Per diem speech-language pathologists in Seattle often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, especially in school settings and rehabilitation hospitals; however, medical professionals specializing in dysphagia can earn upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in private practices. Additionally, telepractice has introduced flexible opportunities where rates range from $40 to $60 based on the client load. While many SLPs may opt for full-time positions with benefits, the trade-off between hourly rates and health insurance packages often influences their decisions. It is beneficial for speech-language pathologists in Seattle to engage in transparent negotiations regarding hourly pay while considering overall compensation, as well as to remain aware of the diverse pay scales across different sectors like education, healthcare, and telepractice.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Seattle. 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