Hagerstown vs Wheaton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,386 | $111,225▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.06 | $53.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,320 | $69,212▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,459 | $85,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,281 | $129,568▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,728 | $150,589▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Wheaton is $25,839 (30.26%). Wheaton's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $66,408,Wheaton spans $81,377. Wheaton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheaton ($101,761 effective) pays 12.23% more than Hagerstown ($90,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,225/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,589)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,761)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Hagerstown grew 6.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$77,420 (2019) → $82,110 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$100,542 (2024) → $106,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Hagerstown or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Wheaton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Hagerstown vs Wheaton?
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