Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $44.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Fairfax, VA runs $44.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Fairfax, Virginia boasts a median hourly pay of $44.58 for speech-language pathologists, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.93. This hourly rate can provide flexibility for part-time professionals who may choose to work three days a week. For instance, a part-time SLP could earn around $1,071.12 a week, making it a viable option for those balancing work with family or studies. With a pay range starting at $29.75 for entry-level positions and extending to $57.22 for experienced practitioners, opportunities abound in various settings including schools, outpatient clinics, and telepractice. The estimated hourly rates serve as indicators reflecting the annual salaries in the industry, showcasing what these professionals can expect in terms of compensation while pursuing their careers in speech-language pathology.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.75 | $238.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.78 | $286.26 |
| Median (P50) | $44.58 | $356.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.65 | $405.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.22 | $457.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $44.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.58/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $92,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,497. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,783.22 | $7,727 | $92,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,069.93 | $4,636 | $55,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.29 | $3,091 | $37,091 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Fairfax) | $44.58 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $92,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $97,107.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.58/hr = $55,636/year (purchasing power: $53,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,727/year (purchasing power: $89,852).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairfax grew 23.7% from $34.66/hr (2019) to $42.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.36/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Evaluating the earning potential reveals that part-time speech-language pathologists working 24 hours a week take home a different figure compared to their full-time counterparts. Across various employment settings in Fairfax, per diem speech-language pathologist pay can range significantly; SLPs typically bill between $50 to $75 an hour, while medical specialists focused on dysphagia often achieve $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. In education, where the majority of SLPs are employed, institutions may pay more modest hourly rates but often offer health benefits that are appealing in the competitive job market. This can lead to a trade-off where some professionals accept lower rates for the security of benefits, while others prefer higher pay without them. For those negotiating their pay in Fairfax, understanding the nuances of different environments—be it school districts, skilled nursing facilities, or teletherapy roles—will provide critical insights to secure the best outcomes.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Fairfax?
Are speech-language pathologists in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time speech-language pathologist make per year in Fairfax?
Do speech-language pathologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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