Hempstead vs Rochester: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Hempstead, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hempstead, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,010▲ | $83,421 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.39▲ | $40.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,987 | $57,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,348▲ | $65,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,406 | $104,260▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,311 | $125,298▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Hempstead and Rochester are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hempstead and Rochester is $589 (0.71%). Hempstead's median is -17.46% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hempstead spans $62,324,Rochester spans $67,584. Rochester 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, Rochester ($85,970 effective) pays 18.60% more than Hempstead ($72,485 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hempstead if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,010/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,298)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,970)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Hempstead grew -24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Hempstead, NY
$107,424 (2024) → $80,787 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$70,300 (2019) → $80,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hempstead, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Hempstead or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hempstead and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Hempstead to Rochester as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Hempstead vs Rochester?
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