Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,155▲ | $67,614 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.54▲ | $32.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,912 | $55,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,751 | $62,893▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,475▲ | $87,320 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,836▲ | $109,200 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, LA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $12,541 (18.55%). Alexandria's median is -21.24% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $93,924,Baton Rouge spans $53,285. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($93,545 effective) pays 25.60% more than Baton Rouge ($74,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,836)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,545)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Alexandria grew -4.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -25.9% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$80,730 (2019) → $77,080 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$87,770 (2019) → $65,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
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