Fairfield vs Los Angeles: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fairfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,226▲ | $114,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.17▲ | $54.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,660 | $82,662▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,822▲ | $95,224 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,646▲ | $138,681 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,455▲ | $166,831 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 4,800▲ |
Verdict
Fairfield, CA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Fairfield and Los Angeles is $13,107 (11.49%). Fairfield's median is +25.01% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $93,795,Los Angeles spans $84,169. Fairfield 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, Fairfield ($112,490 effective) pays 11.94% more than Los Angeles ($100,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,455)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,490)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fairfield grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fairfield, CA
$123,608 (2024) → $122,344 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$90,280 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fairfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Fairfield to Los Angeles as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fairfield vs Los Angeles?
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