Greensboro vs Hickory: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Greensboro, NC and Hickory, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greensboro, NC | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,975 | $89,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.41 | $43.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,205 | $66,574▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,067 | $74,332▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,832 | $107,858▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,511 | $123,135▲ |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Hickory, NC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Greensboro and Hickory is $7,581 (9.25%). Hickory's median is -12.01% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $59,306,Hickory spans $56,561. Greensboro 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, Hickory ($101,209 effective) pays 14.65% more than Greensboro ($88,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,135)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,209)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Greensboro grew 9.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Hickory over the same period.
Greensboro, NC
$72,150 (2019) → $78,830 (2025)
Hickory, NC
$83,790 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greensboro, NC
Hickory, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Greensboro or Hickory?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Hickory?
Should I relocate from Greensboro to Hickory as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Greensboro vs Hickory?
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