Dallas vs Houston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,512 | $104,406▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.77 | $50.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,751▲ | $72,429 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,284▲ | $82,994 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,043 | $125,589▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,643 | $140,990▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,800▲ | 3,780 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $894 (0.86%). Houston's median is +2.59% 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,Houston spans $68,561. Houston 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, Houston ($105,857 effective) pays 5.43% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,406/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,990)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,857)
- ✓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 43.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$67,180 (2019) → $99,540 (2025)
Houston, TX
$69,900 (2019) → $100,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Dallas or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Houston?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Houston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Dallas vs Houston?
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