Bowling Green vs Elizabethtown: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Elizabethtown, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Elizabethtown, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,177▲ | $82,547 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.43▲ | $39.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,067 | $65,867▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,973▲ | $65,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,307 | $103,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,628 | $113,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Bowling Green, KY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Elizabethtown is $3,630 (4.40%). Bowling Green's median is -15.33% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $37,561,Elizabethtown spans $47,378. Elizabethtown 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, Bowling Green ($95,562 effective) pays 4.85% more than Elizabethtown ($91,140 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,177/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,562)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,245)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Bowling Green grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Elizabethtown over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$69,880 (2019) → $82,870 (2025)
Elizabethtown, KY
$72,510 (2019) → $79,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Elizabethtown, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Bowling Green or Elizabethtown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Elizabethtown?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Elizabethtown as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Bowling Green vs Elizabethtown?
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