Evansville vs Merrillville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Evansville, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,620▲ | $84,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.60▲ | $40.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,424▲ | $55,375 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,923▲ | $66,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,593▲ | $97,569 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,460▲ | $111,858 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Merrillville is $4,618 (5.50%). Evansville's median is -12.93% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $58,036,Merrillville spans $56,483. Evansville 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, Evansville ($96,823 effective) pays 5.23% more than Merrillville ($92,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,620/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,460)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,823)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Evansville grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$71,290 (2019) → $85,220 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$71,815 (2024) → $80,779 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Evansville or Merrillville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Merrillville?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Merrillville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Evansville vs Merrillville?
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