Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $43.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Herndon, VA runs $43.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Herndon, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist in 2026 is $43.75. When compared to the national hourly median of $48.93, this reflects a notable difference, illustrating how regional market dynamics can impact compensation. This hourly rate offers valuable insight for part-time and per-diem workers in various therapeutic settings, such as school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and telepractice environments. For example, those working three days a week (24 hours total), might take home a steady income while pursuing a balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level practitioners typically start around $31.49 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $54.57 per hour; pointing to a healthier earning potential with experience and specialization.
About the Herndon 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) | $31.49 | $251.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.78 | $294.25 |
| Median (P50) | $43.75 | $349.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.72 | $389.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.57 | $436.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $43.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.75/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $90,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,498. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,749.94 | $7,583 | $90,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.97 | $4,550 | $54,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.98 | $3,033 | $36,399 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Herndon) | $43.75 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $90,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.60% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $97,109.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.75/hr = $54,598/year (purchasing power: $52,905).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,997/year (purchasing power: $88,175).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Herndon grew 23.7% from $34.01/hr (2019) to $42.07/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.49/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
A three-day workweek at this hourly rate yields an annual take-home that's significantly less than a full-time speech-language pathologist salary, highlighting potential income gaps based on hours worked. Per-diem assignments are also lucrative for professionals, as they often range from $50 to $75 per hour. In specialized medical settings, such as dysphagia evaluations, SLPs can command pay rates of $80 to $110 per hour. The employer type significantly influences these hourly rates; for instance, school districts sometimes offer lower pay but typically provide benefits, whereas skilled nursing facilities and telepractice companies may offer more competitive wages without health insurance. This presents a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits that many consider when seeking employment. Accepting a lower hourly rate for a stable paycheck and benefits can be a wise choice, especially for those planning ahead during their CFY year. Negotiating rates can be essential—professionals should assess their value based on local demand and be prepared to discuss their specialized skills when seeking rates that reflect their worth in the Herndon, VA market.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Herndon in 2026?
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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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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