Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $53.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $53.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Gaithersburg, MD is $53.87, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $48.93. This elevated pay reflects the importance of the profession, particularly in diverse settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and hospitals, where SLPs perform critical evaluations and therapies. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this means a substantial earning potential. On an hourly basis, the pay range spans from $34.17 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $71.65 for experienced professionals, indicating a dynamic earning spectrum for SLPs in the area. This data is grounded in estimates derived from annual salary figures, tailored to reflect the unique economic context of Gaithersburg.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.17 | $273.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.04 | $336.35 |
| Median (P50) | $53.87 | $430.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.33 | $506.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.65 | $573.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $53.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.87/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $112,043 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,640. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,154.67 | $9,337 | $112,043 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,292.80 | $5,602 | $67,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $861.87 | $3,735 | $44,817 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Gaithersburg) | $53.87 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $112,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $111,273.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.87/hr = $67,226/year (purchasing power: $61,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,043/year (purchasing power: $102,510).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gaithersburg grew 23.7% from $41.88/hr (2019) to $51.80/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.02/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Examining the part-time earning potential, a speech-language pathologist working 24 hours a week could take home around $67,785 annually, which is quite appealing compared to many other professions in the area. Per diem opportunities often entice SLPs, with many billing $50 to $75 per hour, and specific medical-focused roles, particularly in dysphagia management, offering rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour. Gaithersburg's various employers, from school districts to outpatient pediatric clinics, also impact wages; SLPs in schools may typically earn lower hourly rates than those in medical settings. It's common for professionals to trade higher rates for the stability of health benefits associated with full-time roles. For those considering hourly positions, negotiating effectively is crucial. Assessing local market rates, understanding employer offerings, and being prepared to discuss both salary and benefits can help ensure fair compensation in Gaithersburg’s competitive landscape.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Gaithersburg?
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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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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