Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $54.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fairbanks, AK runs $54.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,037 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,823 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $54.35 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This rate translates well for various work patterns; for example, a part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week can still generate a robust income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Typical settings for these professionals include school therapy rooms, where they may engage in push-in or pull-out models, as well as hospital environments conducting dysphagia evaluations or outpatient clinics focusing on articulation. The hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Fairbanks ranges from an entry-level rate of $38.53 to $73.08 for top earners, reflecting the diverse nature of employment opportunities and the increased demand for qualified specialists in the region, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.53 | $308.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.15 | $337.18 |
| Median (P50) | $54.35 | $434.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.40 | $459.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.08 | $584.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $54.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.35/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $113,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,214. With a cost-of-living index of 103.21 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,173.81 | $9,420 | $113,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,304.28 | $5,652 | $67,823 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $869.52 | $3,768 | $45,215 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fairbanks) | $54.35 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $113,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 4.70% above the Alaska state average of $107,963.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.35/hr = $67,823/year (purchasing power: $65,715).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,038/year (purchasing power: $109,524).
CoL index: 103.208 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairbanks grew 23.7% from $42.25/hr (2019) to $52.26/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.51/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Assessing the potential annual income for a part-time speech-language pathologist in Fairbanks reveals a considerable difference when compared to full-time work. A professional working 24 hours a week at the median rate can expect earnings that reflect their commitment but may fall short of a full-time salary's stability. For per-diem or agency roles, the flexibility can come with varying hourly compensation: while many per diem speech-language pathologist pay rates in Fairbanks typically fall between $50-$75, medical SLPs who specialize in dysphagia can command higher fees ranging from $80-$110 per hour. Factors such as type of employment—whether in school districts, hospitals, or telepractice—dramatically influence these rates. Additionally, some speech-language pathologists select positions offering better benefits, which may compensate for a lower hourly rate, making negotiation skills vital. Understanding the employment landscape and recognizing each setting's unique demands are keys to successful career advancement.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fairbanks?
Are speech-language pathologists in Fairbanks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Fairbanks?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairbanks?
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 Fairbanks. 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, 3-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