Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $50.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in University Place, WA runs $50.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,658 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, the projected median hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is $50.21, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $48.93. This competitive rate offers promising prospects for part-time professionals working three days a week, as they can earn a significant income while maintaining flexibility. In typical settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and telepractice sessions, SLPs can expect an hourly range from $32.30 to $69.01. These figures illustrate the potential for entry-level positions to align with pay scales for experienced practitioners, making the profession attractive to new graduates entering their CFY year and seasoned SLPs alike.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.30 | $258.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.39 | $315.13 |
| Median (P50) | $50.21 | $401.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.66 | $453.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.01 | $552.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $50.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.21/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $104,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,248. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.25 | $8,702 | $104,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.95 | $5,221 | $62,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.30 | $3,481 | $41,772 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (University Place) | $50.21 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $104,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.61% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $106,456.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.21/hr = $62,658/year (purchasing power: $58,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,429/year (purchasing power: $97,234).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in University Place grew 23.7% from $39.03/hr (2019) to $48.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.21/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 University Place 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 University Place
For part-time SLPs in University Place, working just 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home that remains appealing when contrasted with full-time positions. Per-diem or agency speech-language pathologists often charge rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while those focusing on medical SLP work, especially in dysphagia, can demand significantly higher rates from $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. Hourly wages vary by employer types; for instance, school districts may offer lower rates due to benefits, while skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics might provide higher compensation. The decision between higher hourly pay without benefits versus stable employment with health insurance is a common consideration for SLPs. When negotiating hourly pay in University Place, knowing the prevailing rates and the value of benefits can empower SLPs to make informed employment choices tailored to their career paths.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in University Place?
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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