Liberal vs Manhattan: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Liberal, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,285▲ | $80,124 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.48▲ | $38.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,479 | $66,918▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,096▲ | $67,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,670 | $97,335▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,043▲ | $102,753 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Liberal, KS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Liberal and Manhattan is $6,161 (7.69%). Liberal's median is -15.22% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $53,564,Manhattan spans $35,835. Liberal 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, Liberal ($94,923 effective) pays 6.82% more than Manhattan ($88,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,043)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,923)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Liberal grew 22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$67,824 (2024) → $82,974 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$71,040 (2019) → $77,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Liberal or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Manhattan as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Liberal vs Manhattan?
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