Boston vs New Bedford: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,912▲ | $103,199 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.40▲ | $49.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,155▲ | $69,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,456▲ | $83,425 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,724▲ | $119,854 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,135 | $139,889▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,720▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $3,713 (3.60%). Boston's median is +5.05% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $60,980,New Bedford spans $70,856. New Bedford 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, Boston ($98,749 effective) pays 3.82% more than New Bedford ($95,114 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,912/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,749)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,889)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Boston grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$86,400 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$92,080 (2019) → $99,239 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Boston or New Bedford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and New Bedford?
Should I relocate from Boston to New Bedford as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Boston vs New Bedford?
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