Federal Way vs Olympia: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Federal Way, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,529▲ | $105,446 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.74▲ | $50.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,890 | $92,125▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,263 | $105,300▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,535▲ | $121,315 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,372▲ | $130,081 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Federal Way, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Olympia is $83 (0.08%). Federal Way's median is +3.69% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $78,482,Olympia spans $37,956. Federal Way 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, Olympia ($101,713 effective) pays 3.52% more than Federal Way ($98,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,529/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,372)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,713)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Federal Way grew -0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$102,173 (2024) → $101,480 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$79,510 (2019) → $101,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Federal Way or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Olympia as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Federal Way vs Olympia?
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