Augusta vs Columbus: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Augusta, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,260 | $97,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.47 | $46.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,176▲ | $59,638 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,729 | $74,249▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,964 | $115,096▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,545 | $125,350▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Columbus is $11,012 (12.77%). Columbus's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $58,369,Columbus spans $65,712. Columbus 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, Columbus ($108,932 effective) pays 16.06% more than Augusta ($93,860 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,272/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,350)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,932)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Augusta grew 4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$79,090 (2019) → $82,950 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$91,930 (2019) → $93,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Augusta or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Columbus as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Augusta vs Columbus?
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