Aurora vs Fort Collins: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,003▲ | $106,860 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.81▲ | $51.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,704 | $71,108▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,239 | $91,792▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,063▲ | $129,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,030▲ | $142,206 |
| Total Employed | 54 | N/A |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $7,143 (6.68%). Aurora's median is +12.01% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $91,326,Fort Collins spans $71,098. Aurora 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, Aurora ($108,574 effective) pays 2.75% more than Fort Collins ($105,668 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,030)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,574)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Aurora grew 15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$94,889 (2024) → $109,629 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$86,560 (2019) → $102,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
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