Cincinnati vs Columbus: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,758 | $100,309▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.96 | $48.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,715 | $68,072▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,955▲ | $81,123 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,831 | $112,600▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,702▲ | $124,996 |
| Total Employed | 1,690▲ | 1,390 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Columbus are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Columbus is $551 (0.55%). Columbus's median is -1.44% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $68,987,Columbus spans $56,924. Cincinnati 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, Columbus ($105,070 effective) pays 0.45% more than Cincinnati ($104,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,702)
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,309/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,070)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Cincinnati grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.9% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$74,890 (2019) → $95,930 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$63,920 (2019) → $96,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Cincinnati or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Columbus as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Cincinnati vs Columbus?
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