Lynchburg vs Roanoke: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Lynchburg, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lynchburg, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,137▲ | $95,213 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.70▲ | $45.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,671 | $65,534▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,116▲ | $78,939 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,826▲ | $113,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,405▲ | $123,135 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Lynchburg, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Lynchburg and Roanoke is $1,924 (2.02%). Lynchburg's median is -4.56% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lynchburg spans $58,734,Roanoke spans $57,601. Lynchburg 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, Lynchburg ($108,699 effective) pays 6.88% more than Roanoke ($101,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lynchburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,699)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Lynchburg grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Lynchburg, VA
$83,580 (2019) → $93,410 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$81,910 (2019) → $91,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lynchburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Lynchburg or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lynchburg and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Lynchburg to Roanoke as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Lynchburg vs Roanoke?
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