Anderson vs Columbia: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Anderson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,272▲ | $91,324 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.32▲ | $43.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,518 | $63,320▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,346 | $76,526▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,589 | $110,313▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,871▲ | $119,807 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Anderson and Columbia is $2,948 (3.23%). Anderson's median is -7.37% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $60,353,Columbia spans $56,487. Anderson 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, Anderson ($103,030 effective) pays 5.67% more than Columbia ($97,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,272/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,871)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,030)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Anderson grew 24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$72,643 (2024) → $90,655 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$71,540 (2019) → $87,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Anderson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Columbia as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Anderson vs Columbia?
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