Columbus vs Cleveland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,309 | $102,846▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.23 | $49.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,072▲ | $67,521 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,123 | $81,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,600 | $119,890▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,996 | $157,056▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 1,180 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cleveland is $2,537 (2.53%). Cleveland's median is +1.05% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $56,924,Cleveland spans $89,535. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($109,500 effective) pays 4.22% more than Columbus ($105,070 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,056)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,500)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Columbus grew 50.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.0% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$63,920 (2019) → $96,460 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$81,060 (2019) → $98,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbus or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Cleveland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Columbus vs Cleveland?
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