Apple Valley vs Minneapolis: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,609 | $97,095▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.68 | $46.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,271 | $65,431▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,235 | $82,183▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,659 | $106,132▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,527 | $116,042▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 2,570▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Minneapolis is $12,486 (14.76%). Minneapolis's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $59,256,Minneapolis spans $50,611. Apple Valley 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, Minneapolis ($92,628 effective) pays 7.84% more than Apple Valley ($85,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,042)
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,628)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Apple Valley grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$82,129 (2024) → $81,363 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$77,640 (2019) → $93,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Apple Valley or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Minneapolis as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Apple Valley vs Minneapolis?
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