Bethesda vs Hagerstown: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Bethesda, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,446▲ | $85,386 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.65▲ | $41.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,116▲ | $63,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,907▲ | $79,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,187▲ | $104,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,842▲ | $129,728 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Bethesda, MD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Hagerstown is $22,060 (25.84%). Bethesda's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethesda spans $79,726,Hagerstown spans $66,408. Bethesda 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, Bethesda ($98,304 effective) pays 8.42% more than Hagerstown ($90,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,446/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,842)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,304)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Bethesda grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Bethesda, MD
$97,125 (2024) → $103,323 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$77,420 (2019) → $82,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Bethesda or Hagerstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethesda and Hagerstown?
Should I relocate from Bethesda to Hagerstown as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Bethesda vs Hagerstown?
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