Atlanta vs Athens: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,964▲ | $97,636 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.42▲ | $46.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,888▲ | $62,883 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,866▲ | $78,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,065▲ | $109,813 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,324▲ | $126,462 |
| Total Employed | 2,410▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens is $9,328 (9.55%). Atlanta's median is +5.10% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $68,436,Athens spans $63,579. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($106,902 effective) pays 2.20% more than Athens ($104,599 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,324)
- ✓Larger job market (2,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,902)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Atlanta grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.7% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$76,620 (2019) → $102,860 (2025)
Athens, GA
$61,470 (2019) → $93,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Atlanta or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Atlanta vs Athens?
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