Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $41.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Wilmington, NC runs $41.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,419 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist stands at $41.20 for 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $48.93. This rate reflects a typical range for professionals working in various settings such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield around $665 per week, making it a viable option for flexibility. Meanwhile, entry-level positions may start around $24.91, while top earners in this field can average up to $61.59 per hour, according to official BLS data. This hourly figure illustrates the varying compensation based on experience and employer types in the area.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.91 | $199.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.57 | $284.60 |
| Median (P50) | $41.20 | $329.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.43 | $411.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.59 | $492.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $41.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.20/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $85,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,441. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,648.03 | $7,141 | $85,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $988.82 | $4,285 | $51,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.21 | $2,857 | $34,279 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Wilmington) | $41.20 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $85,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.80% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 2.20% below the North Carolina state average of $87,626.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.20/hr = $51,419/year (purchasing power: $53,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,698/year (purchasing power: $88,878).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wilmington grew 1.4% from $39.07/hr (2019) to $39.62/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.84/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Examining part-time opportunities, a speech-language pathologist working just three days a week may earn approximately $34,680 annually at this median hourly rate, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. In contrast, per-diem positions often offer higher rates, with many speech-language pathologists billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Particularly in clinical settings focusing on dysphagia, rates can escalate to $80-$110 per hour, especially for cash-based practices. Hourly wages also fluctuate across employers, where school districts typically provide lower pay with more job stability and benefits, while private practices and medical facilities may offer higher rates without benefits. This trade-off is a common consideration for SLPs, who may negotiate their hourly pay based on the type of employment and associated perks. Knowing the candid hourly figures can empower SLPs in Wilmington to assess their compensation strategy effectively while navigating potential job offers.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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