Auburn vs Rochester: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Auburn, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,698 | $83,421▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.76 | $40.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,671 | $57,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,773▲ | $65,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,851 | $104,260▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,533 | $125,298▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Rochester is $723 (0.87%). Rochester's median is -18.03% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $55,862,Rochester spans $67,584. Rochester 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, Rochester ($85,970 effective) pays 20.49% more than Auburn ($71,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,421/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,298)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,970)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Auburn grew -24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$105,746 (2024) → $79,525 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$70,300 (2019) → $80,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Auburn or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Rochester as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Auburn vs Rochester?
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