Dallas vs Austin: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,512 | $110,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.77 | $53.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,751 | $80,197▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,284 | $103,064▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,043 | $131,287▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,643▲ | $131,287 |
| Total Employed | 4,800▲ | 2,860 |
Verdict
Dallas and Austin are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dallas and Austin is $7,019 (6.78%). Austin's median is +8.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $63,892,Austin spans $51,090. Dallas 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, Austin ($112,711 effective) pays 12.25% more than Dallas ($100,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,643)
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,531/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,711)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Dallas grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.3% growth in Austin over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$67,180 (2019) → $99,540 (2025)
Austin, TX
$68,900 (2019) → $106,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Dallas or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Austin?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Austin as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Dallas vs Austin?
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