Erie vs Philadelphia: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Erie, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,549 | $104,073▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.10 | $50.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,526 | $69,611▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,453 | $82,329▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,706 | $121,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,385 | $137,360▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 3,330▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Philadelphia is $16,524 (18.87%). Philadelphia's median is +2.26% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $76,859,Philadelphia spans $67,749. Erie 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, Philadelphia ($101,481 effective) pays 5.42% more than Erie ($96,261 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,360)
- ✓Larger job market (3,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,481)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Erie grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Erie, PA
$77,340 (2019) → $84,190 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$79,020 (2019) → $100,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Erie or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Erie to Philadelphia as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Erie vs Philadelphia?
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