Charlotte vs Wilmington: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,589▲ | $85,698 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.47▲ | $41.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,593▲ | $51,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,713▲ | $73,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,311▲ | $106,975 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,383▲ | $128,105 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wilmington is $8,891 (10.37%). 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 Charlotte spans $68,790,Wilmington spans $76,297. Wilmington 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, Charlotte ($97,166 effective) pays 9.32% more than Wilmington ($88,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,589/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,383)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,166)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Charlotte grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$70,710 (2019) → $90,960 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$81,260 (2019) → $82,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Charlotte or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wilmington as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Charlotte vs Wilmington?
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