Auburn vs Huntsville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Auburn, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,109 | $77,660▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.07 | $37.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,938 | $58,692▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,602 | $67,438▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,603▲ | $88,267 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,573 | $113,578▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Huntsville is $551 (0.71%). Huntsville's median is -23.69% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $55,635,Huntsville spans $54,886. Auburn 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, Auburn ($87,691 effective) pays 5.09% more than Huntsville ($83,441 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,691)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,660/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,578)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Auburn grew 9.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$67,530 (2020) → $74,150 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$61,900 (2019) → $74,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Auburn or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Huntsville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Auburn vs Huntsville?
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