Denver vs Arvada: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Denver, CO and Arvada, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Arvada, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,562 | $117,511▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.04 | $56.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,849 | $78,252▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,855▲ | $94,728 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,635▲ | $136,202 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,053▲ | $158,830 |
| Total Employed | 2,480▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Denver and Arvada are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Denver and Arvada is $949 (0.81%). Arvada's median is +15.46% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $88,204,Arvada spans $80,578. Denver 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, Arvada ($111,915 effective) pays 1.56% more than Denver ($110,191 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,053)
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,511/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,915)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Denver grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Arvada over the same period.
Denver, CO
$92,970 (2019) → $112,090 (2025)
Arvada, CO
$94,612 (2024) → $113,002 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Arvada, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Denver or Arvada?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Arvada?
Should I relocate from Denver to Arvada as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Denver vs Arvada?
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