Ann Arbor vs Traverse City: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,135▲ | $90,638 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.18▲ | $43.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,658▲ | $64,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,363 | $81,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,983▲ | $105,862 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,862▲ | $106,403 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Traverse City is $7,497 (8.27%). Ann Arbor's median is -3.58% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $51,204,Traverse City spans $42,189. Ann Arbor 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, Ann Arbor ($97,279 effective) pays 0.21% more than Traverse City ($97,072 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,862)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,279)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Ann Arbor grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$82,390 (2019) → $94,370 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$77,970 (2024) → $87,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Traverse City as a speech-language pathologist?
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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