Burlington vs Charlotte: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Burlington, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,540 | $94,589▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.73 | $45.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,227 | $61,593▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,763 | $76,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,000 | $111,311▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,125▲ | $130,383 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Charlotte is $14,049 (17.44%). Charlotte's median is -7.06% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $84,898,Charlotte spans $68,790. Burlington 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, Charlotte ($97,166 effective) pays 12.43% more than Burlington ($86,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,125)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,589/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,166)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Burlington grew 35.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$57,040 (2019) → $77,450 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$70,710 (2019) → $90,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Burlington or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Charlotte as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Burlington vs Charlotte?
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