Kennewick vs Kent: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Kent, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Kent, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,536▲ | $106,304 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70▲ | $51.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,681▲ | $69,589 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,558▲ | $84,784 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,701 | $128,727▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,728 | $152,964▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kent.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Kent is $1,232 (1.16%). Kennewick's median is +5.66% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $52,047,Kent spans $83,375. Kent 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, Kennewick ($107,451 effective) pays 8.56% more than Kent ($98,980 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,536/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,451)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kent if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,964)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kennewick grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Kent over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$77,990 (2019) → $103,410 (2025)
Kent, WA
$102,923 (2024) → $102,225 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Kennewick or Kent?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Kent?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Kent as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kennewick vs Kent?
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