Los Angeles vs Riverside: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,119 | $123,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.87 | $59.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,662▲ | $61,968 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,224▲ | $93,768 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,681▲ | $137,152 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,831▲ | $152,075 |
| Total Employed | 4,800▲ | 2,120 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Riverside are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Riverside is $9,172 (8.04%). Riverside's median is +21.14% 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,Riverside spans $90,107. Riverside 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, Riverside ($115,829 effective) pays 15.27% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,831)
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,291/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,829)
- ✓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 30.3% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$90,280 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$90,990 (2019) → $118,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Los Angeles or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Riverside as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Los Angeles vs Riverside?
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