Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $49.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lowell, MA runs $49.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, speech-language pathologists can expect a median hourly rate of $49.38, which is slightly above the national median of $48.93. This competitive rate translates to a valuable income for those working in various settings like school therapy rooms—both push-in and pull-out models—hospital bedside situations for dysphagia assessments, outpatient clinics for articulation therapy, skilled nursing facilities, and even telepractice platforms. For entry-level positions, the starting hourly rate is approximately $32.67, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $69.55 per hour, reflecting the spectrum of experience and specialization within the field. These hourly estimates derive from projected annual salaries, highlighting the potential for flexible work schedules, particularly appealing for part-time or per-diem workers seeking a balanced lifestyle while providing crucial therapy services.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.67 | $261.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.65 | $317.21 |
| Median (P50) | $49.38 | $395.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.06 | $472.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.55 | $556.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $49.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.38/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $102,720 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,262. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,975.39 | $8,560 | $102,720 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.24 | $5,136 | $61,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.16 | $3,424 | $41,088 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lowell) | $49.38 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $102,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $102,412.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.38/hr = $61,632/year (purchasing power: $56,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,720/year (purchasing power: $94,673).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lowell grew 23.7% from $38.39/hr (2019) to $47.49/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.36/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
For those contemplating part-time roles, a speech-language pathologist working three days a week would earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, reflecting a commitment that may appeal to clinicians balancing other responsibilities. Per-diem opportunities offer unique earning potentials, with many providers billing between $50 and $75 per hour; specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia could see rates soaring to $80-$110 in private cash practices. When working in educational settings, pay may not reach those highs, yet school districts—employing roughly 55% of SLPs—provide stability, albeit often with lower hourly rates compared to inpatient medical facilities and outpatient clinics. Additionally, teletherapy continues to gain traction, accommodating flexible schedules with hourly rates ranging from $40 to $60 depending on caseload. Clinicians should weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower pay with health insurance included. Practical negotiation tips in Lowell for speech-language pathologists include understanding the specific dynamics of different employer types and being prepared to discuss the value brought to each setting.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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