Marion vs Waterloo: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Marion, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Marion, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,312 | $84,284▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.06 | $40.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,875 | $65,701▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,636 | $70,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,987▲ | $93,778 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,762▲ | $107,193 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Waterloo, IA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Marion and Waterloo is $972 (1.17%). Waterloo's median is -17.19% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marion spans $55,887,Waterloo spans $41,492. Marion 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, Waterloo ($96,815 effective) pays 5.05% more than Marion ($92,159 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Marion if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,762)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,284/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,815)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Marion grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Marion, IA
$71,113 (2024) → $80,115 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$73,820 (2019) → $81,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Marion, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Marion or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Marion and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Marion to Waterloo as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Marion vs Waterloo?
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