Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,920▲ | $85,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.23▲ | $40.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,668▲ | $53,732 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,096▲ | $64,276 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,475▲ | $104,156 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,405▲ | $123,135 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Altoona, PA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $4,846 (5.70%). Altoona's median is -11.65% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $56,737,Pittsburgh spans $69,403. Pittsburgh 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, Altoona ($100,461 effective) pays 11.79% more than Pittsburgh ($89,863 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,461)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Altoona grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$69,970 (2019) → $86,470 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$75,210 (2019) → $81,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Altoona or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Pittsburgh as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Altoona vs Pittsburgh?
Related Comparisons
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