Fayetteville vs Searcy: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Searcy, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,722▲ | $80,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.25▲ | $38.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,879▲ | $53,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,895▲ | $64,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,490▲ | $89,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,813▲ | $100,115 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Searcy is $3,231 (4.01%). Fayetteville's median is -17.74% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $75,934,Searcy spans $46,435. Fayetteville 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, Searcy ($92,625 effective) pays 1.07% more than Fayetteville ($91,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,722/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,813)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Searcy if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,625)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fayetteville grew -8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Searcy over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$88,190 (2019) → $80,510 (2025)
Searcy, AR
$64,533 (2024) → $77,403 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fayetteville or Searcy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Searcy?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Searcy as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fayetteville vs Searcy?
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