Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Homewood, AL: $34.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Homewood, AL runs $34.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,374 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Homewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Homewood, Alabama, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected at $34.80 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate reflects the potential earnings for part-time SLPs working three days a week in diverse environments such as school therapy rooms, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay can range from $24.35 for entry-level positions to $46.81 for top earners, offering flexibility for those interested in part-time or per-diem roles. Many per-diem speech-language pathologists in Homewood work in varied settings like skilled nursing facilities and telepractice, where they adjust their hours to suit both lifestyle and earning goals. While such positions can provide competitive pay, it’s essential to assess how the hourly rate aligns with overall career advancement and benefits to ensure long-term satisfaction.
About the Homewood Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.35 | $194.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.78 | $230.28 |
| Median (P50) | $34.80 | $278.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.68 | $325.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.81 | $374.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Homewood
Based on $34.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.80/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Homewood, AL can expect to earn approximately $72,374 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,754. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Homewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Homewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,391.80 | $6,031 | $72,374 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.08 | $3,619 | $43,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.72 | $2,412 | $28,949 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Homewood) | $34.80 |
| 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 Homewood, AL earn a median of $72,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.89% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $74,921.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.80/hr = $43,424/year (purchasing power: $49,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,374/year (purchasing power: $82,336).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Homewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Homewood grew 23.7% from $27.05/hr (2019) to $33.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.18/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 Homewood 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 Homewood
Diving deeper into the financial implications reveals how full-time and part-time work fundamentally differ for speech-language pathologists in Homewood. A 24-hour work week for a part-time SLP based on the median hourly rate results in an annual take-home that is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per-diem and agency opportunities can present a higher hourly pay ranging from $50 to $75 with specialized medical SLPs addressing dysphagia sometimes billing as much as $80 to $110. However, this higher hourly pay often lacks the stability of full-time employment, including essential benefits like health insurance. Additionally, rates may differ significantly across various employment settings such as school districts, outpatient clinics, and telepractice agencies, creating a challenging choice between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower wages with robust job security. When negotiating, SLPs in Homewood should emphasize their specialized experience and adaptability across contexts to secure better pay while weighing the importance of consistent employment.
More salary data for Homewood, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Homewood in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Homewood?
Are speech-language pathologists in Homewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Homewood?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Homewood?
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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 Homewood. 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 Homewood 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