Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $63.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Petaluma, CA runs $63.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,288 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, CA, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 is $63.12, notably higher than the national average of $48.93 per hour. This elevated rate reflects the demand for professionals in various settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For part-time SLPs working three days a week—typically around 24 hours—this compensation allows for a viable income stream while still accommodating a flexible schedule, particularly appealing to those balancing other commitments. Furthermore, the hourly range in Petaluma spans from approximately $42.36 for entry-level positions to about $87.01 for experienced practitioners, providing ample opportunity across the career spectrum. The hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary figures, underscoring the value of this profession in the local healthcare and education landscape.
About the Petaluma 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) | $42.36 | $338.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.00 | $407.97 |
| Median (P50) | $63.12 | $504.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.46 | $595.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.01 | $696.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $63.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.12/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,524.88 | $10,941 | $131,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,514.93 | $6,565 | $78,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.95 | $4,376 | $52,517 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Petaluma) | $63.12 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $131,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.00% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 6.40% above the California state average of $123,391.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.12/hr = $78,776/year (purchasing power: $69,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,294/year (purchasing power: $116,086).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Petaluma grew 23.7% from $49.07/hr (2019) to $60.70/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.64/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Focusing on part-time and per-diem opportunities, SLPs in Petaluma can see notable differences in their earning potential. A part-time speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week for the entire year may take home about $78,210, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a robust income considering the flexibility. For those seeking per diem positions, hourly rates can vary widely: while many bill between $50 and $75 per hour, specialized medical SLPs working in dysphagia can command rates of $80 to $110 per hour. Telepractice roles typically offer compensation ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the case structure and demand. Various employer types in Petaluma also present different pay scales; school districts generally offer salaries at the lower end while hospitals and private practices may provide more lucrative compensation. It's essential for speech-language pathologists to consider the benefits trade-off in their choices—where some may opt for lower hourly wages with the advantage of health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay over benefits. Negotiating hourly rates in Petaluma can be effective by highlighting unique skills or experience, particularly in specialized areas of the field.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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