Independence vs Lexington: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,669 | $90,960▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.70 | $43.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,105 | $68,186▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,637 | $78,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,422 | $107,349▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,298 | $116,417▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $6,291 (7.43%). Lexington's median is -10.63% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $57,193,Lexington spans $48,231. Independence 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, Lexington ($97,923 effective) pays 3.28% more than Independence ($94,814 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,960/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,417)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,923)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Independence grew 12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Independence, KY
$72,646 (2024) → $81,420 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$68,710 (2019) → $87,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Independence or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Independence vs Lexington?
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