Los Angeles vs Merced: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Merced, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,119 | $118,777▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.87 | $57.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,662▲ | $82,568 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,224 | $108,982▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,681 | $140,303▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,831 | $170,419▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,800▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Merced, CA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Merced is $4,658 (4.08%). Merced's median is +16.71% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $84,169,Merced spans $87,851. Merced 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, Merced ($120,862 effective) pays 20.28% more than Los Angeles ($100,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,777/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,419)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,862)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Merced over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$90,280 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
Merced, CA
$95,720 (2019) → $114,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Merced, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Los Angeles or Merced?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Merced?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Merced as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Los Angeles vs Merced?
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