Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Zachary, LA: $31.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Zachary, LA runs $31.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Zachary's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zachary, Louisiana, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $31.78. This figure is considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.93, which highlights a significant discrepancy in pay between local and national standards. For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the hourly rate provides insight into potential earnings in diverse settings, including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice sessions. The hourly range extends from approximately $22.60 for entry-level positions to $42.13 for experienced professionals, underscoring the variability in compensation based on experience and setting. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the local market conditions specific to Zachary, which can impact a speech-language pathologist’s financial outlook.
About the Zachary Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.60 | $180.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.44 | $211.56 |
| Median (P50) | $31.78 | $254.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.15 | $281.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.13 | $337.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zachary
Based on $31.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.78/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zachary, LA can expect to earn approximately $66,101 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,135. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zachary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zachary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,271.17 | $5,508 | $66,101 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.70 | $3,305 | $39,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.47 | $2,203 | $26,440 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Zachary) | $31.78 |
| 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 Zachary, LA earn a median of $66,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.06% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.00% below the Louisiana state average of $71,070.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.78/hr = $39,661/year (purchasing power: $43,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,101/year (purchasing power: $73,202).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Zachary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Zachary grew 23.7% from $24.71/hr (2019) to $30.56/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.05/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 Zachary 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 Zachary
For part-time speech-language pathologists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an annual income significantly different from those employed full-time. A part-time therapist can expect to earn around $39,989 annually, creating a stark contrast when juxtaposed against full-time salaries. In the per-diem realm, many speech-language pathologists, especially those focusing on medical settings like dysphagia evaluations, can bill upwards of $80 to $110 per hour, occasionally opting for agency work where they earn between $50-$75 per hour. The compensation received can vary widely based on employer type, with school districts generally offering lower rates compared to skilled nursing facilities or telepractice agencies. Addressing the benefits trade-off, some professionals may accept lower hourly wages from certain employers for comprehensive health benefits, while others might prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits. For those in Zachary, it is advisable to negotiate rates clearly, emphasizing qualifications and experience during discussions with clinic directors or school administrators to ensure competitive compensation reflective of their skills and efforts.
More salary data for Zachary, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Zachary in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Zachary?
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How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Zachary?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Zachary?
Related Pages
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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 Zachary. 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 Zachary 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