Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $55.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Chico, CA runs $55.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,138 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,082 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is $55.35, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $48.93. This differential indicates not just a favorable local job market but also reflects the cost of living in the area. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial earnings even without full-time hours, allowing flexibility while still obtaining a solid income. The hourly pay range for speech-language pathologists in Chico extends from $49.17 for entry-level positions to $71.27 for those at the upper end of the spectrum. Settings like school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice platforms provide varied environments in which these professionals can work, enabling a diverse range of employment opportunities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.17 | $393.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.40 | $403.23 |
| Median (P50) | $55.35 | $442.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.08 | $528.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.27 | $570.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $55.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.35/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $115,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,425. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,214.16 | $9,595 | $115,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,328.49 | $5,757 | $69,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $885.66 | $3,838 | $46,054 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Chico) | $55.35 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $115,138 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.13% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.70% below the California state average of $123,406.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.35/hr = $69,082/year (purchasing power: $68,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,136/year (purchasing power: $113,774).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Chico grew 5.2% from $50.60/hr (2019) to $53.23/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.56/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 Chico 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 Chico
When considering part-time position earnings, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could take home around $68,707 annually, whereas full-time colleagues may see an entirely different paycheck scale due to their 40-hour schedule. Per-diem and agency workers often find themselves within a flexible pay range, typically billing between $50 and $75 an hour. Medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia might command even higher rates, potentially earning $80 to $110 per hour in cash practice settings. Hourly rates also differ by employer type; SLPs in school districts may receive less than those in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, where demand and complexity are often greater. As SLPs consider job offers, they must weigh the benefits of insurance and job security against higher hourly rates available without those perks. Knowing how to negotiate based on local market trends can significantly impact earnings for hourly workers in this field.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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
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 Chico. 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, 7-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