Fullerton vs Los Angeles: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fullerton, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fullerton, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,758▲ | $114,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.94▲ | $54.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,238 | $82,662▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,892▲ | $95,224 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,226▲ | $138,681 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,893▲ | $166,831 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 4,800▲ |
Verdict
Fullerton, CA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Fullerton and Los Angeles is $12,639 (11.08%). Fullerton's median is +24.55% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fullerton spans $98,655,Los Angeles spans $84,169. Fullerton 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, Fullerton ($112,076 effective) pays 11.53% 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 Fullerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,893)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,076)
- ✓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 Fullerton grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fullerton, CA
$123,153 (2024) → $121,894 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$90,280 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fullerton, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fullerton or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fullerton and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Fullerton to Los Angeles as a speech-language pathologist?
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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