Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $34.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in South Charleston, WV runs $34.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,451 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,476 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, the **speech-language pathologist hourly pay** stands at a median of **$34.84/hr** for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of **$48.93/hr**. This discrepancy highlights the challenges that local professionals might face, especially those considering part-time positions. Working three days a week in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or during telepractice virtual sessions, SLPs can earn a substantial income; however, it may fall short compared to peers in larger markets. The **hourly range** for entry-level positions starts at **$23.60**, while top earners can reach **$43.74**. These estimates derive from annual salary data, framing the potential earnings for those entering the field or seeking flexible, per-diem opportunities in various therapeutic environments across South Charleston.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.60 | $188.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.11 | $224.87 |
| Median (P50) | $34.84 | $278.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.98 | $311.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $34.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.84/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $72,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,804. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,393.47 | $6,038 | $72,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.08 | $3,623 | $43,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.39 | $2,415 | $28,984 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (South Charleston) | $34.84 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $72,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.81% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $75,627.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.84/hr = $43,476/year (purchasing power: $50,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,460/year (purchasing power: $83,769).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Charleston grew 23.7% from $27.08/hr (2019) to $33.50/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.23/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 South Charleston 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 South Charleston
For a speech-language pathologist working part-time in South Charleston, the earnings can significantly vary depending on the employer type. An SLP who operates three days a week, averaging about **24 hours**, takes home noticeably less than a full-time counterpart, impacting annual earnings directly. Per diem or agency SLPs often enjoy a higher **pay rate**, ranging from **$50-$75/hr**, with medical-focused roles, especially those involving dysphagia assessments, reaching **$80-$110/hr**. Meanwhile, those in telepractice may find **contracts** fluctuating between **$40-$60/hr** based on their caseload. The varying hourly rates reflect the diverse demands and employer compensation structures in the region. Some SLPs opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others pursue higher wages without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals looking to negotiate effectively, particularly in a market like South Charleston, where salary expectations might differ from national trends.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in South Charleston?
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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 South Charleston. 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 South Charleston 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