Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $46.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Columbus, GA runs $46.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,272 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,362 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $46.76 for speech-language pathologists in Columbus, Georgia, this figure falls slightly below the national hourly median of $48.93. This hourly rate indicates a viable income for those working part-time or per diem in various environments such as schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings. For a speech-language pathologist working three days a week, this rate can translate into significant earnings, while entry-level salaries start at $28.67 and can rise to $60.26 for top earners. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS estimates projected to 2026, illustrates the diverse opportunities available for SLPs in the local job market.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.67 | $229.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.70 | $285.60 |
| Median (P50) | $46.76 | $374.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.33 | $442.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.26 | $482.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $46.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.76/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $97,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,117. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,870.57 | $8,106 | $97,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.34 | $4,863 | $58,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.23 | $3,242 | $38,908 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Columbus) | $46.76 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $97,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.42% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 12.50% above the Georgia state average of $86,464.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.76/hr = $58,362/year (purchasing power: $65,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,270/year (purchasing power: $108,930).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Columbus grew 1.7% from $44.20/hr (2019) to $44.97/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.63/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When considering part-time work, a speech-language pathologist clocking 24 hours per week could see annual earnings around $58,663, a sum that falls short of full-time salaries but can still be appealing, especially for those balancing other commitments. Additionally, the per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Columbus often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with medical-focused SLPs potentially earning $80 to $110 for specialized dysphagia services. Different environments, such as school districts, hospitals, and private practice, can significantly impact hourly compensation, with telepractice offering flexible arrangements that align with current market demands. The trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance is a critical consideration for many professionals. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local demand and the various employer types can provide leverage in securing better compensation while aligning with personal career goals.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Columbus?
Are speech-language pathologists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Columbus?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Columbus. 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