Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $43.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in South Portland, ME runs $43.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, the projected speech-language pathologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $43.37, below the national median of $48.93. This pay rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem roles within the community. For professionals working part-time, say three days a week, they could balance their earnings with personal commitments while functioning in environments such as schools or outpatient clinics. Per-diem workers, who provide services on an as-needed basis, benefit from flexibility but often face a more varied pay scale that reflects the challenges of securing consistent work. Those just starting in the profession might earn around $30.20 per hour, while more experienced clinicians can command up to $58.43 per hour, allowing for a wide wage range according to skill level and setting.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.20 | $241.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.90 | $279.19 |
| Median (P50) | $43.37 | $346.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.65 | $405.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.43 | $467.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $43.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.37/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $90,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,049. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,734.97 | $7,518 | $90,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,040.98 | $4,511 | $54,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $693.99 | $3,007 | $36,087 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (South Portland) | $43.37 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $90,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.37% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 11.00% below the Maine state average of $101,358.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.37/hr = $54,131/year (purchasing power: $54,348).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,218/year (purchasing power: $90,581).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Portland grew 23.7% from $33.72/hr (2019) to $41.71/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.10/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
Part-time speech-language pathologists in South Portland who work 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $52,000 annually, which emphasizes the importance of understanding benefits versus hourly pay. In the realm of per-diem work, these professionals are typically offered a higher rate that ranges from $50 to $75, and those specializing in medical speech-language pathology, particularly in dysphagia evaluations, may earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash practices. Employers within South Portland, including school districts, hospitals, and private practices, often vary their compensation strategies. School settings might offer lower hourly rates that include health benefits, while settings like telepractice and private clinics could pay higher amounts but without benefits. For SLPs navigating these complex options, being prepared to negotiate hourly rates can significantly influence overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in South Portland?
Are speech-language pathologists in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in South Portland?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in South Portland?
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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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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