Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Ontario, CA: $60.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Ontario, CA runs $60.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Ontario's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ontario, California, the projected hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist stands at $60.08, notably higher than the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate opens up diverse opportunities for part-time professionals and per-diem workers in settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. For a speech-language pathologist working three days a week, the hourly compensation supports flexible scheduling while recognizing the unique skills required for assessments in dysphagia evaluations or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device trials. The hourly wage, ranging from $36.98 for entry-level positions to $83.39 for experienced practitioners, reflects a spectrum of expectations and responsibilities within the field.
About the Ontario 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) | $36.98 | $295.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.14 | $369.12 |
| Median (P50) | $60.08 | $480.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.93 | $567.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.39 | $667.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ontario
Based on $60.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.08/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ontario, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,090. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ontario.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ontario
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.00 | $10,413 | $124,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,441.80 | $6,248 | $74,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.20 | $4,165 | $49,982 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Ontario) | $60.08 |
| 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 Ontario, CA earn a median of $124,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.77% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.30% above the California state average of $123,349.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.08/hr = $74,974/year (purchasing power: $66,290).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,956/year (purchasing power: $110,483).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ontario grew 23.7% from $46.70/hr (2019) to $57.77/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.47/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 Ontario 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 Ontario
Considering part-time positions, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $74,227 annually, a considerable income when compared to full-time salaries. Per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Ontario typically ranges between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized medical SLPs—particularly those focusing on dysphagia—commanding even higher rates of $80 to $110 when practicing independently. Hourly rates vary significantly across different environments, with school districts often offering a stable wage but potentially lower than what a medical facility or private practice might provide. Benefits often sway choices; some SLPs may accept lower pay for job security and health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly wages without the safety net. Negotiating rates effectively can be key, emphasizing one’s clinical expertise and the value brought to the institutional setting.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Ontario in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Ontario?
Are speech-language pathologists in Ontario paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Ontario?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Ontario?
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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 Ontario. 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 Ontario 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