Kirkwood vs St. Louis: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Kirkwood, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,273▲ | $89,931 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.36▲ | $43.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,095▲ | $60,501 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,677▲ | $73,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,228 | $107,359▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,416▲ | $117,997 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Kirkwood, MO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and St. Louis is $2,342 (2.60%). Kirkwood's median is -9.34% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $62,321,St. Louis spans $57,496. Kirkwood 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, Kirkwood ($102,983 effective) pays 8.89% more than St. Louis ($94,577 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,273/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,416)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,983)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kirkwood grew 24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$71,090 (2024) → $88,733 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$88,360 (2019) → $86,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Kirkwood or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to St. Louis as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kirkwood vs St. Louis?
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