Jackson vs Starkville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,809 | $84,818▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.33 | $40.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,832▲ | $53,282 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,408 | $70,833▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,645▲ | $96,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,039▲ | $109,957 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson and Starkville are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $3,009 (3.68%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $50,207,Starkville spans $56,675. Starkville 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, Starkville ($98,971 effective) pays 7.73% more than Jackson ($91,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,039)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,818/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,971)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Jackson grew 34.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$58,510 (2019) → $78,670 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$65,004 (2024) → $81,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Jackson or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Jackson vs Starkville?
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