Manhattan vs Salina: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Manhattan, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Salina, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,124 | $89,520▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.53 | $43.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,918▲ | $62,981 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,375 | $74,218▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,335 | $101,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,753 | $115,413▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Salina, KS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Salina is $9,396 (11.73%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $35,835,Salina spans $52,432. Salina 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, Salina ($98,482 effective) pays 10.82% 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 Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,413)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,482)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Manhattan grew 8.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Salina over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$71,040 (2019) → $77,050 (2025)
Salina, KS
$70,366 (2024) → $86,085 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Salina, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Manhattan or Salina?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Salina?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Salina as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Manhattan vs Salina?
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