Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $56.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Union, NJ runs $56.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,361 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in Union, NJ is projected to be $56.90. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $48.93 by a notable margin, presenting an advantageous scenario for SLPs working in the area. For part-time professionals who may operate three days a week in various environments such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice settings, this hourly rate translates to a competitive earnings potential. Entry-level speech-language pathologists can expect to earn about $36.06 per hour, while those at the higher end of the scale can command up to $76.08. The hourly rates laid out reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, making them a crucial consideration for individuals exploring part-time or per-diem opportunities within the field.
About the Union Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.06 | $288.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.56 | $356.48 |
| Median (P50) | $56.90 | $455.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.71 | $525.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.08 | $608.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $56.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.90/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $118,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,284. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,276.13 | $9,863 | $118,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,365.68 | $5,918 | $71,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $910.45 | $3,945 | $47,344 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Union) | $56.90 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $118,361 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $117,190.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.90/hr = $71,015/year (purchasing power: $61,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,359/year (purchasing power: $102,742).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Union grew 23.7% from $44.24/hr (2019) to $54.72/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.17/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 Union 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 Union
The financial landscape for part-time speech-language pathologists operating in Union reveals the advantages and challenges of varying employment structures. A clinician working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could take home around $70,708 annually, significantly less than if they opted for full-time positions. Per-diem workers, including those in educational and medical settings, might find themselves billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour on average, while specialized medical SLPs focusing on dysphagia can achieve rates of $80 to $110 in cash practices. Different employer types contribute to the variation in hourly pay; school districts might offer lower rates, while skilled nursing facilities and private practices might present higher pay possibilities but often without benefits. Tactics for negotiation are essential, especially for hourly workers considering the benefits trade-off between higher hourly wages with no health insurance and lower rates that provide stability. Understanding these dynamics in the context of Union's job market can empower speech-language pathologists as they navigate their career paths.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
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 Union. 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 Union 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