Boulder vs Thornton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,872▲ | $116,564 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.80▲ | $56.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,329▲ | $70,323 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,152▲ | $88,435 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,142▲ | $141,197 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,485▲ | $167,196 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Boulder and Thornton is $20,308 (17.42%). Boulder's median is +34.48% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $80,156,Thornton spans $96,873. Thornton 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, Boulder ($130,104 effective) pays 17.20% more than Thornton ($111,013 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,485)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,104)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Boulder grew 54.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$85,170 (2019) → $131,620 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$93,850 (2024) → $112,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Boulder or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Thornton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Boulder vs Thornton?
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