Ferndale vs Grand Rapids: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Ferndale, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ferndale, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,014 | $98,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.36 | $47.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,883 | $65,483▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,395 | $82,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,236 | $104,240▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,197 | $111,612▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 810▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ferndale.
The salary gap between Ferndale and Grand Rapids is $12,246 (14.24%). Grand Rapids's median is -3.45% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ferndale spans $52,314,Grand Rapids spans $46,129. Ferndale 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, Grand Rapids ($102,841 effective) pays 11.43% more than Ferndale ($92,290 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ferndale if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,612)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,841)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Ferndale grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Ferndale, MI
$72,525 (2024) → $82,714 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$74,380 (2019) → $94,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ferndale, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Ferndale or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ferndale and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ferndale to Grand Rapids as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Ferndale vs Grand Rapids?
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