Kirkland vs Spokane: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Kirkland, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,130▲ | $104,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.03▲ | $50.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,376 | $75,757▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,453 | $83,858▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,256▲ | $111,976 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,656▲ | $126,930 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Kirkland, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Spokane is $1,620 (1.55%). Kirkland's median is +4.28% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkland spans $77,280,Spokane spans $51,173. Kirkland 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, Spokane ($104,150 effective) pays 5.40% more than Kirkland ($98,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,130/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,656)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,150)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kirkland grew -0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$102,755 (2024) → $102,058 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$71,680 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Kirkland or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Spokane as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kirkland vs Spokane?
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