Birmingham vs Decatur: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,772▲ | $70,037 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.87▲ | $33.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,631▲ | $61,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,061▲ | $65,524 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,208▲ | $84,357 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,316▲ | $102,784 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $8,735 (12.47%). Birmingham's median is -22.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $56,685,Decatur spans $40,827. Birmingham 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, Birmingham ($85,954 effective) pays 7.03% more than Decatur ($80,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,772/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,316)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,954)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Birmingham grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.2% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$65,020 (2019) → $75,750 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$46,370 (2019) → $67,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Birmingham or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Birmingham vs Decatur?
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