Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $57.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Merced, CA runs $57.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,262 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Merced, California, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay is projected to reach $57.10 in 2026, which represents a significant increase compared to the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This competitive compensation provides opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers looking to balance their professional and personal lives. For example, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week can expect to earn over $43,000 annually, based on a typical 24-hour workweek. With an hourly range from $39.69 for entry-level positions to $81.93 for top earners, this profession can accommodate various skill levels and specializations, such as school-based therapy, clinical settings, or telepractice. The official projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlight the robust potential of this field, making it a viable career choice in Merced.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.69 | $317.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.40 | $419.20 |
| Median (P50) | $57.10 | $456.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.45 | $539.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.93 | $655.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $57.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.10/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $118,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,521. With a cost-of-living index of 98.28 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,284.04 | $9,897 | $118,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,370.42 | $5,938 | $71,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $913.61 | $3,959 | $47,508 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Merced) | $57.10 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $118,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.71% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.70% below the California state average of $123,341.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.10/hr = $71,262/year (purchasing power: $72,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,770/year (purchasing power: $120,855).
CoL index: 98.275 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Merced grew 19.3% from $46.02/hr (2019) to $54.91/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.38/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 Merced 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 Merced
For those contemplating part-time roles, understanding earnings can be pivotal. A speech-language pathologist working 24 hours per week can clear around $43,000 annually, while full-time colleagues may earn upwards of $118,777 based on their hours worked. Per diem or agency options offer an evolving narrative: some SLPs engage in short-term contracts that bill from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical speech-language pathologists specializing in dysphagia reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. In Merced, remuneration can fluctuate based on employment settings—with school districts, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices each presenting unique pay scales. Some professionals might prefer lower hourly rates that come with benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without such perks. For those negotiating hourly rates, leveraging local job market research can provide the necessary leverage to secure competitive compensation in today's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Merced, 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 Merced. 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