Kansas City vs Wildwood: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Wildwood, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Wildwood, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,556 | $92,300▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.05 | $44.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,760▲ | $61,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,058▲ | $73,736 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,380▲ | $105,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,062▲ | $120,000 |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City and Wildwood are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Wildwood is $2,744 (3.06%). Wildwood's median is -9.31% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $61,302,Wildwood spans $58,936. Kansas City 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, Wildwood ($103,013 effective) pays 6.45% 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 Kansas City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,062)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Wildwood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,300/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,013)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kansas City grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Wildwood over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$74,660 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
Wildwood, MO
$71,111 (2024) → $88,759 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Wildwood, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Kansas City or Wildwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Wildwood?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Wildwood as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kansas City vs Wildwood?
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