Denver vs Lafayette: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Denver, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,562▲ | $111,067 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.04▲ | $53.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,849▲ | $69,009 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,855▲ | $92,103 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,635▲ | $125,822 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,053▲ | $150,070 |
| Total Employed | 2,480▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Denver and Lafayette is $5,495 (4.95%). Denver's median is +14.53% 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,Lafayette spans $81,061. 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, Denver ($110,191 effective) pays 4.17% more than Lafayette ($105,778 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,053)
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,191)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓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 Lafayette over the same period.
Denver, CO
$92,970 (2019) → $112,090 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$89,424 (2024) → $106,805 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Denver or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Denver to Lafayette as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Denver vs Lafayette?
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