Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $50.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Golden, CO runs $50.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Golden, Colorado, is projected to be $50.78, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This rate reflects the specialized skills required in various settings including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and inpatient hospital facilities. For part-time or per-diem speech-language pathologists working three days a week, this means earning just under $1,100 weekly, making it viable for those balancing personal commitments while still pursuing their profession. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn around $35.22 per hour, while top earners in the area can command rates as high as $66.31. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, illustrate the financial potential within this rewarding profession while highlighting the diversity of work environments available throughout Golden and its surroundings.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.22 | $281.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.62 | $332.93 |
| Median (P50) | $50.78 | $406.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.50 | $468.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.31 | $530.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $50.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.78/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $105,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,934. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,031.13 | $8,802 | $105,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,218.68 | $5,281 | $63,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.45 | $3,521 | $42,248 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Golden) | $50.78 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $105,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.79% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $114,814.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.78/hr = $63,371/year (purchasing power: $60,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,619/year (purchasing power: $100,589).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Golden grew 23.7% from $39.48/hr (2019) to $48.83/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.80/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 Golden 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 Golden
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time speech-language pathologists, a typical three-day workweek (24 hours) could net an annual income of approximately $62,293, which often suits those seeking work-life balance. For per-diem, agency, or locum tenens roles, pay can vary significantly; many SLPs bill between $50-$75 per hour, with those in medical settings focusing on dysphagia sometimes reaching $80-$110. This flexibility can cater to individual lifestyle needs, but it might also entail weighing the trade-off of lower hourly rates against the security and benefits that full-time positions offer. Hourly rates may differ across various employment types in Golden, with school districts typically offering less than medical facilities such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. For negotiators, establishing a strong case for hourly pay based on unique skill sets and demand can enhance compensation, particularly in the ever-evolving landscape of speech-language pathology across both educational and medical domains.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Golden?
Are speech-language pathologists in Golden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Golden?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Golden. 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 Golden 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