Baltimore vs Columbia: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Columbia, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,196 | $107,094▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.58 | $51.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,188▲ | $66,693 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,126▲ | $82,828 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,614 | $127,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,154 | $149,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,830▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Columbia is $1,898 (1.80%). Columbia's median is +5.23% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $62,966,Columbia spans $82,690. Columbia 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, Baltimore ($100,679 effective) pays 2.75% more than Columbia ($97,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,679)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,094/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,383)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Baltimore grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.4% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$84,450 (2019) → $101,160 (2025)
Columbia, MD
$103,394 (2024) → $102,985 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Columbia, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Baltimore or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Columbia as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Baltimore vs Columbia?
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