Decatur vs Mobile: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Decatur, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,037 | $72,221▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.67 | $34.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,957▲ | $54,844 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,524▲ | $61,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,357 | $85,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,784 | $105,997▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Mobile is $2,184 (3.12%). Mobile's median is -29.04% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $40,827,Mobile spans $51,153. Mobile 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, Mobile ($81,978 effective) pays 2.08% more than Decatur ($80,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,221/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,997)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,978)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Decatur grew 45.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$46,370 (2019) → $67,350 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$63,170 (2019) → $69,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Decatur or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Mobile as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Decatur vs Mobile?
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