Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $51.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Lancaster, PA runs $51.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,077 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,851 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, speech-language pathologists earn a median hourly rate of $51.96, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.93. This desirable rate allows for attractive part-time opportunities in various settings, including school therapy rooms and outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time speech-language pathologist working three days a week could effectively balance work with personal commitments while still achieving a prosperous income. Entry-level professionals can anticipate earning around $33.15 per hour, while top earners in the field may receive as much as $65.39. These figures, derived from official BLS data, reflect the growing demand for qualified SLPs, with an emphasis on both educational and rehabilitation environments in the local market.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.15 | $265.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.90 | $303.23 |
| Median (P50) | $51.96 | $415.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.39 | $523.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.39 | $523.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $51.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.96/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $108,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,357. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,078.55 | $9,007 | $108,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,247.13 | $5,404 | $64,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.42 | $3,603 | $43,234 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Lancaster) | $51.96 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $108,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.19% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 9.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $98,341.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.96/hr = $64,851/year (purchasing power: $66,001).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,085/year (purchasing power: $110,002).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Lancaster grew 29.2% from $38.67/hr (2019) to $49.97/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.04/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For those considering part-time roles or per-diem work, the financial implications are significant. A speech-language pathologist working just three days a week (24 hours total) in Lancaster could realistically earn upwards of $62,000 annually, which is competitive when compared to full-time roles. In addition, per-diem speech-language pathologists often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized medical SLPs focused on dysphagia can command rates as high as $80 to $110 in private cash practices. Meanwhile, telepractice has created further varied opportunities for SLPs, with hourly contracts ranging between $40 and $60 based on caseload structure. Although school districts may offer lower hourly rates, they often provide benefits that some SLPs prioritize. When negotiating, be aware of the varying pay scales across employer types in Lancaster, and aim to articulate your specific value to maximize your compensation, whether you're looking for flexibility in scheduling or seeking full-time positions with robust benefits.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
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 Lancaster. 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