Atlantic City vs Hackensack: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Hackensack, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Hackensack, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,995 | $112,504▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.79 | $54.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,342 | $77,607▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,171 | $92,133▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,990 | $126,492▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,050 | $149,881▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Hackensack, NJ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Hackensack is $23,509 (26.42%). Hackensack's median is +10.54% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $67,708,Hackensack spans $72,274. Hackensack has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hackensack ($97,660 effective) pays 8.48% more than Atlantic City ($90,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Hackensack if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,504/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,881)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,660)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Atlantic City grew -2.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Hackensack over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$87,630 (2019) → $85,580 (2025)
Hackensack, NJ
$108,331 (2024) → $108,187 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Hackensack, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Atlantic City or Hackensack?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Hackensack?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Hackensack as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Atlantic City vs Hackensack?
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