Fayetteville vs Springdale: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,722 | $85,032▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.25 | $40.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,879▲ | $53,686 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,895▲ | $66,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,490▲ | $99,635 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,813▲ | $116,091 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Springdale are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Springdale is $1,310 (1.56%). Springdale's median is -16.45% 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,Springdale spans $62,405. 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, Springdale ($97,850 effective) pays 6.77% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,813)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,032/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,850)
- ✓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 20.0% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$88,190 (2019) → $80,510 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$68,154 (2024) → $81,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fayetteville or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Springdale as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fayetteville vs Springdale?
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