Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $129,197 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Honolulu, HI earns a median $129,197/year (≈ $62.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $108,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Honolulu, HI, can expect a median annual pay of $129,197, reflecting the city's unique employment landscape. The salary range varies significantly from $77,245 at the lower end (P10) to $179,653 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, which account for local economic conditions based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the distinct divide between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in schools versus those in medical settings. While hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher compensation, the school contracts often result in lower annual earnings due to their alignment with the academic calendar. This salary structure plays a vital role in shaping the job market for SLPs in Honolulu.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,245 | $37.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,784 | $47.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,197 | $62.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,768 | $74.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,653 | $86.37 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,408 (2026 est.). At $129,197, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be above the median
How Honolulu Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $129,197/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $121,426 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $101,775 | +26.94% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $129,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $121,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,197 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,296 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,438
2025 BLS Actual
$124,240
2026 Current Est.
$129,197
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,197 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,352 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $100,438 (2019) to $124,240 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,352 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,914 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,245 – $97,784 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,784 – $129,197 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,197 – $154,768 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,768 – $179,653 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Honolulu
Currently, there are 68 speech-language pathologists employed in Honolulu, which suggests a competitive yet stable job market. However, the cost-of-living index of 119.3 indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay. Among the various employers in the area, medical facilities often provide the most lucrative opportunities, especially those focusing on inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient pediatric care. The salary disparity can be attributed to multiple factors, including contract types, the need for specialty certification, and the increasing demand for bilingual SLPs. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Honolulu market, seeking roles in busy medical settings, acquiring specialized certifications, or pursuing telepractice opportunities could yield better financial results.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $124,240 for speech-language pathologistsin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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