Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $48.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Key West, FL runs $48.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,614 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Key West, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $48.85, slightly below the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate presents a compelling opportunity for part-time practitioners, particularly those working on a 3-day-a-week schedule. With work commonly found in settings such as school therapy rooms, hospitals for bedside dysphagia evaluations, and telepractice sessions, these professionals can profit significantly from flexible work arrangements. The hourly range spans from an entry-level rate of $31.60 for fewer experienced clinicians to as much as $62.99 for those at the top of their game, making this field accessible to both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Overall, these figures developed from 2025 BLS data, and projected to 2026, signal a promising landscape for speech-language pathology in Key West.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.60 | $252.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.61 | $308.89 |
| Median (P50) | $48.85 | $390.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.38 | $451.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.99 | $503.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $48.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.85/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $101,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,625. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.18 | $8,468 | $101,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.51 | $5,081 | $60,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.67 | $3,387 | $40,647 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Key West) | $48.85 |
| 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 Key West, FL earn a median of $101,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $103,161.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.85/hr = $60,970/year (purchasing power: $60,487).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,617/year (purchasing power: $100,811).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Key West grew 23.7% from $37.98/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.80/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 Key West 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 Key West
Part-time speech-language pathologists who choose to work 24 hours a week are likely to see annual earnings that fall significantly short of full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time clinician may take home around $61,000, while a full-time SLP can potentially earn upwards of $101,614 annually. The per diem reality for speech-language pathologists is also worth considering, as many of these professionals work on a contract basis, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour in various settings. In clinical roles, particularly in medical facilities focusing on dysphagia, the rate can climb to between $80 and $110 per hour. Different employment types affect hourly wages, with schools often offering stability and benefits while private practices and teletherapy might provide higher pay but lack comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating hours and rates becomes essential; understanding the employer's budget and being clear about one’s own worth are vital tactics for success in Key West's evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
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 Key West. 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 Key West 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