Gastonia vs Raleigh: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Gastonia, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gastonia, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,573▲ | $90,887 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.51▲ | $43.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,284 | $65,410▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,492 | $74,301▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,964▲ | $105,175 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,188 | $129,041▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,050▲ |
Verdict
Gastonia and Raleigh are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gastonia and Raleigh is $1,686 (1.86%). Gastonia's median is -9.04% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gastonia spans $64,904,Raleigh spans $63,631. Gastonia 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, Gastonia ($98,903 effective) pays 6.81% more than Raleigh ($92,593 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gastonia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,573/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,903)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,041)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Gastonia grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Gastonia, NC
$74,364 (2024) → $89,021 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$67,810 (2019) → $87,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gastonia, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Gastonia or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gastonia and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Gastonia to Raleigh as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Gastonia vs Raleigh?
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