Columbia vs Knoxville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,028▲ | $81,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.40▲ | $39.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,174 | $56,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,275▲ | $64,911 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,164 | $100,319▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,462▲ | $112,611 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, TN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $2,853 (3.51%). Columbia's median is -17.44% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $61,288,Knoxville spans $55,843. Columbia 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, Columbia ($91,534 effective) pays 4.38% 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 Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,462)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,534)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓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 Columbia grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$73,359 (2024) → $80,804 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$70,170 (2019) → $78,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbia or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a speech-language pathologist?
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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