Aiken vs Charleston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,373 | $102,732▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.93 | $49.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,474▲ | $51,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,940▲ | $68,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,164 | $127,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,184 | $136,726▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $11,359 (12.43%). Charleston's median is +0.94% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $61,710,Charleston spans $84,752. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($101,753 effective) pays 1.89% more than Aiken ($99,861 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,732/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,726)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,753)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Aiken grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$72,586 (2024) → $87,867 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$74,980 (2019) → $98,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Aiken to Charleston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Aiken vs Charleston?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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