Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $44.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in South Valley, NM runs $44.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, NM, the median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is projected at $44.73 in 2026. This figure is lower than the national hourly median of $48.93, indicating a slight disparity that local professionals may navigate. This hourly rate is particularly significant for part-time and per-diem positions. For those working three days a week, a speech-language pathologist can expect to earn around $1,072 weekly, which translates to approximately $55,744 annually if working a full schedule. Entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of $27.84, while experienced professionals can earn up to $60.39 per hour. It's important to note that these figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, reflecting a diverse range of work settings including school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice opportunities.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.84 | $222.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.12 | $297.00 |
| Median (P50) | $44.73 | $357.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.45 | $419.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.39 | $483.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $44.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.73/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $93,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,671. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,789.04 | $7,753 | $93,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,073.43 | $4,652 | $55,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $715.62 | $3,101 | $37,212 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (South Valley) | $44.73 |
| 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 Valley, NM earn a median of $93,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $96,116.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.73/hr = $55,818/year (purchasing power: $59,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,030/year (purchasing power: $98,549).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Valley grew 23.7% from $34.77/hr (2019) to $43.01/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.51/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 Valley 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 Valley
When evaluating earning potential as a part-time speech-language pathologist, those working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $27,984 annually if maintaining the median hourly rate. This contrasts sharply with full-time salaries; many opt for agency or locum tenens roles where per diem speech-language pathologist pay in South Valley usually ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, significantly enhancing their revenue. Medical settings focusing on dysphagia might offer even higher rates from $80 up to $110 per hour, while telepractice contracts can vary from $40 to $60 based on caseload specifics. Furthermore, hourly rates fluctuate across different employer types, with school districts typically offering lower pay compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Some speech-language pathologists accept lower wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies emphasize emphasizing unique skills and certifications accrued during the CFY year and involvement with professional organizations such as ASHA to bolster pay discussions locally.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in South Valley?
Are speech-language pathologists in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in South Valley?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
Related Pages
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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 Valley. 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 Valley 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