Athens vs Savannah: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Athens, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,636▲ | $86,717 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.94▲ | $41.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,883▲ | $62,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,346▲ | $65,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,813▲ | $105,539 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,462▲ | $111,675 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Savannah.
The salary gap between Athens and Savannah is $10,919 (12.59%). Athens's median is -4.07% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $63,579,Savannah spans $49,562. Athens 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, Athens ($104,599 effective) pays 14.84% more than Savannah ($91,084 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,636/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,462)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,599)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Athens grew 52.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Athens, GA
$61,470 (2019) → $93,890 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$74,490 (2019) → $83,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Athens or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Athens to Savannah as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Athens vs Savannah?
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