Clarksville vs Knoxville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Clarksville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clarksville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,095▲ | $81,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.68▲ | $39.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,815▲ | $56,768 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,686▲ | $64,911 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,505▲ | $100,319 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,030 | $112,611▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Clarksville and Knoxville are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Clarksville and Knoxville is $15,920 (19.61%). Clarksville's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clarksville spans $51,215,Knoxville spans $55,843. Knoxville 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, Clarksville ($106,760 effective) pays 21.75% more than Knoxville ($87,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clarksville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,095/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,760)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,611)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Clarksville grew -1.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Clarksville, TN
$94,360 (2021) → $93,370 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$70,170 (2019) → $78,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clarksville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Clarksville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clarksville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Clarksville to Knoxville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Clarksville vs Knoxville?
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