Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $51.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Boston, MA runs $51.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,150 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, the speech-language pathologist hourly rate stands at a median of $51.40, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive rate allows both full-time and part-time professionals the ability to thrive in various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, earnings can significantly contribute to their overall financial health while leaving room for personal commitments. Entry-level speech-language pathologists can expect to see an hourly wage starting around $35.65, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale may earn as much as $64.97 per hour, all based on the 2026 estimates from BLS data projected from 2025.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.65 | $285.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.04 | $336.35 |
| Median (P50) | $51.40 | $411.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.45 | $483.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.97 | $519.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $51.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.40/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $106,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,683. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,056.09 | $8,910 | $106,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,233.65 | $5,346 | $64,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $822.44 | $3,564 | $42,767 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Boston) | $51.40 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $106,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 4.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $102,406.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.40/hr = $64,150/year (purchasing power: $59,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,917/year (purchasing power: $98,754).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Boston grew 19.0% from $41.54/hr (2019) to $49.43/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.45/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 Boston 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 Boston
Exploring part-time work further, a speech-language pathologist putting in 24 hours weekly can expect to take home approximately $49,579 annually, compared with the earnings of full-time counterparts, who typically earn substantially more. Meanwhile, the per diem speech-language pathologist pay in Boston varies widely, with many professionals billing $50-$75 per hour in school settings, and medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia reportedly earning between $80-$110 per hour in cash practices. Rates often differ markedly across employer types; those in educational settings generally earn less than their medical SLP counterparts in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, others prioritize maximum pay with per diem arrangements, giving them flexibility but fewer perks. For those engaged in negotiating salaries, emphasizing specialization and flexibility can be key to securing more favorable terms in this bustling market.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. 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