Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Rome, GA: $42.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Rome, GA runs $42.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,313 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rome, Georgia, the median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist is projected to be $42.72 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.93 per hour. This rate provides a manageable income for part-time workers, such as those who operate three days a week, balancing work in school therapy rooms or outpatient clinics. Furthermore, per-diem workers and those involved in telepractice can also expect to earn varying rates depending on their work settings, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $26.00 per hour and top earners potentially making up to $61.60. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and projected from 2025 figures, reflects the demand for speech-language pathologists in diverse environments within the city, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and telepractice platforms.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.00 | $207.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.30 | $274.37 |
| Median (P50) | $42.72 | $341.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.20 | $473.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.60 | $492.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome
Based on $42.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.72/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, GA can expect to earn approximately $88,856 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,263. With a cost-of-living index of 90.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rome.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rome
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,708.76 | $7,405 | $88,856 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,025.26 | $4,443 | $53,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.51 | $2,962 | $35,542 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Rome) | $42.72 |
| 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 Rome, GA earn a median of $88,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.70% above the Georgia state average of $86,513.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.72/hr = $53,313/year (purchasing power: $59,131).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,856/year (purchasing power: $98,552).
CoL index: 90.161 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-14.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Rome grew -20.6% from $51.75/hr (2019) to $41.08/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.42/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 Rome 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 Rome
When considering the earning potential of part-time speech-language pathologists in Rome, working a 24-hour week could yield an annual income of around $53,659 before taxes. This compares to full-time salaries, which can be significantly higher, particularly for those specializing in medical settings like inpatient rehabilitation and dysphagia treatment. Per diem roles present a lucrative alternative as well; for instance, many per diem speech-language pathologists earn between $50 and $75 per hour, and those focused on dysphagia assessments can bill up to $110 per hour in private practices. The pay varies significantly across different employers in Rome, as school positions typically offer lower rates compared to positions in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, which tend to command higher rates due to the specialized skills required. Additionally, some speech-language pathologists may choose higher-paying opportunities without benefits, while others might accept slightly lower pay for job security and health insurance coverage. Negotiating effectively based on local market trends can help ensure fair compensation for those navigating hourly positions in the field.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
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 Rome. 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