Alexandria vs New Orleans: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Alexandria, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,155 | $80,509▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.54 | $38.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,912 | $65,940▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,751 | $68,841▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,475▲ | $99,799 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,836▲ | $106,465 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 550▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and New Orleans is $354 (0.44%). New Orleans's median is -20.90% 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,New Orleans spans $40,525. 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 7.59% more than New Orleans ($86,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,836)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,545)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,509/year)
- ✓Larger job market (550 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 2.1% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$80,730 (2019) → $77,080 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$75,830 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Alexandria or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to New Orleans as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Alexandria vs New Orleans?
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