Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $58.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Carson, CA runs $58.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist stands at $58.14, significantly higher than the national median of $48.93. This elevated rate makes a substantial difference for those considering part-time or per-diem roles in various settings. For example, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week might take home a solid paycheck, reflecting a competitive edge in local schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and telepractice environments. The estimated hourly range spans from $38.98 for entry-level professionals to $82.20 for seasoned practitioners, providing a clear framework for pay expectations in this growing field. Such figures are derived from annual salary estimates, underscoring the rigorous nature of this occupation and its demand in both school and medical contexts in Carson, CA.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.98 | $311.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.94 | $375.53 |
| Median (P50) | $58.14 | $465.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.34 | $530.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.20 | $657.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $58.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.14/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $120,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,769. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,325.63 | $10,078 | $120,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,395.38 | $6,047 | $72,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $930.25 | $4,031 | $48,373 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Carson) | $58.14 |
| 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 Carson, CA earn a median of $120,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.82% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.00% below the California state average of $123,402.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.14/hr = $72,560/year (purchasing power: $64,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,933/year (purchasing power: $106,926).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Carson grew 23.7% from $45.20/hr (2019) to $55.91/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.46/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 Carson 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 Carson
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week would earn about $72,140 annually, contrasting with full-time earnings and highlighting the financial viability of part-time opportunities. For per-diem roles, speech-language pathologists often bill between $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can command rates as high as $80 to $110. Telepractice has emerged as a lucrative alternative, with 1099 contracts offering $40 to $60 per hour, adaptable to varying caseloads. Hourly rates in Carson can vary by employment type, with schools typically offering lower wages compared to hospitals and private practices. For many SLPs, the decision between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with comprehensive health coverage presents a trade-off worth considering. Negotiating for desirable pay often requires knowledge of local pay structures, and understanding the specific context of positions is essential for fostering successful discussions around compensation.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
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 Carson. 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 Carson 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