Grand Rapids vs Midland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Midland, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Midland, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,260▲ | $69,517 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.24▲ | $33.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,483▲ | $63,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,734▲ | $63,008 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,240▲ | $85,979 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,612▲ | $101,546 |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Midland.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Midland is $28,743 (41.35%). 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 Grand Rapids spans $46,129,Midland spans $38,538. Grand Rapids 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 35.98% more than Midland ($75,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Midland if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Grand Rapids grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.8% growth in Midland over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$74,380 (2019) → $94,490 (2025)
Midland, MI
$72,500 (2019) → $66,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Midland, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Grand Rapids or Midland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Midland?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Midland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Grand Rapids vs Midland?
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