Liberty vs Springfield: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Liberty, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberty, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,689 | $96,149▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.08 | $46.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,341 | $62,581▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,486 | $79,282▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,869 | $110,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,238 | $127,253▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberty.
The salary gap between Liberty and Springfield is $4,460 (4.86%). Springfield's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberty spans $58,897,Springfield spans $64,672. Springfield 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, Springfield ($108,539 effective) pays 6.07% more than Liberty ($102,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,149/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,253)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,539)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Liberty grew 24.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Liberty, MO
$70,639 (2024) → $88,171 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$72,520 (2019) → $92,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberty, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Liberty or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberty and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Liberty to Springfield as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Liberty vs Springfield?
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