Arlington vs Houston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,420 | $104,406▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.76 | $50.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,353 | $72,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,542 | $82,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,264 | $125,589▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,521▲ | $140,990 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 3,780▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $2,986 (2.94%). Houston's median is +2.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $84,168,Houston spans $68,561. Arlington 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, Houston ($105,857 effective) pays 0.20% more than Arlington ($105,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,521)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,406/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,857)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Arlington grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$86,912 (2024) → $97,529 (2025)
Houston, TX
$69,900 (2019) → $100,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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