Independence vs Kansas City: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Independence, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,951▲ | $89,556 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.65▲ | $43.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,729▲ | $61,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,162▲ | $76,058 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,668▲ | $107,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,372▲ | $123,062 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Independence, MO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between Independence and Kansas City is $5,395 (6.02%). Independence's median is -6.70% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $74,643,Kansas City spans $61,302. 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, Independence ($105,972 effective) pays 9.51% more than Kansas City ($96,772 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,951/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,372)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,972)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Independence grew 24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Independence, MO
$73,153 (2024) → $91,308 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$74,660 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Independence or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Independence to Kansas City as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Independence vs Kansas City?
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