Detroit vs Jackson: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Jackson, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Jackson, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,217 | $96,326▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.81 | $46.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,616 | $68,477▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,655 | $83,026▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,631▲ | $102,794 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,613▲ | $112,257 |
| Total Employed | 1,850▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Detroit and Jackson are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Detroit and Jackson is $3,109 (3.34%). Jackson's median is -5.35% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $50,997,Jackson spans $43,780. Detroit 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, Jackson ($104,954 effective) pays 12.93% more than Detroit ($92,940 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,613)
- ✓Larger job market (1,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,326/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,954)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Detroit grew 14.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$78,460 (2019) → $89,640 (2025)
Jackson, MI
$101,840 (2019) → $92,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Jackson, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Detroit or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Jackson as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Detroit vs Jackson?
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