Austin vs Sugar Land: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Austin, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,531▲ | $96,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.14▲ | $46.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,197▲ | $62,754 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,064▲ | $76,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,287▲ | $114,139 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,287 | $134,514▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,860▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sugar Land.
The salary gap between Austin and Sugar Land is $14,411 (14.99%). Austin's median is +8.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $51,090,Sugar Land spans $71,760. Sugar Land 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, Austin ($112,711 effective) pays 12.57% more than Sugar Land ($100,125 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,531/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,711)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Sugar Land if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,514)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Austin grew 54.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
Austin, TX
$68,900 (2019) → $106,290 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$84,236 (2024) → $92,432 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Sugar Land, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Austin or Sugar Land?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Sugar Land?
Should I relocate from Austin to Sugar Land as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Austin vs Sugar Land?
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