Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $38.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Gainesville, GA runs $38.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,031 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists stands at $38.49, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This discrepancy reflects local market conditions, affecting both full-time and part-time opportunities. For those working part-time at three days each week, whether in school therapy rooms, hospitals for dysphagia evaluations, or telepractice sessions, this hourly wage translates to practical take-home amounts. The hourly range varies widely, starting at $27.31 for entry-level roles and reaching up to $60.53 for those with extensive experience or in specialized settings. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, factors such as the cost of living and healthcare job demands influence how speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Gainesville compares to other regions.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.31 | $218.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.59 | $252.74 |
| Median (P50) | $38.49 | $307.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.70 | $365.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.53 | $484.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $38.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.49/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $80,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,184. With a cost-of-living index of 96.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.47 | $6,671 | $80,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.68 | $4,003 | $48,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.79 | $2,668 | $32,021 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Gainesville) | $38.49 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $80,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.34% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.40% below the Georgia state average of $86,449.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.49/hr = $48,031/year (purchasing power: $49,637).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,052/year (purchasing power: $82,728).
CoL index: 96.766 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gainesville grew 4.3% from $35.48/hr (2019) to $37.01/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.02/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
For a part-time speech-language pathologist working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual compensation could total around $47,950, significantly varying from full-time earnings. Per-diem speech-language pathologists in Gainesville often command higher rates, typically billing between $50 and $75 per hour, and those working in medical settings focused on dysphagia may reach $80 to $110 for specialized cases. Additionally, telepractice contracts may offer rates from $40 to $60 per hour based on client load. The employer type plays a critical role in these earnings; for instance, while school districts generally offer lower pay due to budget constraints, settings like acute care hospitals or skilled nursing facilities can provide enhanced compensation. SLPs must consider the balance between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance when negotiating; many accept lower rates in exchange for job security and perks. Knowledge of local market standards can aid in negotiations, allowing speech-language pathologists in GA to make informed decisions regarding their employment opportunities.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Gainesville?
Are speech-language pathologists in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Gainesville?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
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 Gainesville. 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