Baton Rouge vs Shreveport: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,614 | $82,630▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.51 | $39.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,915 | $66,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,893 | $66,273▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,320 | $95,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,200 | $118,965▲ |
| Total Employed | 610▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Shreveport is $15,016 (22.21%). Shreveport's median is -18.81% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $53,285,Shreveport spans $52,692. Baton Rouge 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, Shreveport ($97,480 effective) pays 30.88% more than Baton Rouge ($74,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,630/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,965)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,480)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Baton Rouge grew -25.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$87,770 (2019) → $65,020 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$96,110 (2019) → $79,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Shreveport as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Baton Rouge vs Shreveport?
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