Matthews vs Winston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Matthews, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Matthews, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,605 | $89,317▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.64 | $42.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,496 | $65,087▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,796 | $71,774▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,430 | $110,625▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,206 | $128,313▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.
The salary gap between Matthews and Winston is $2,712 (3.13%). Winston's median is -12.24% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Matthews spans $55,710,Winston spans $63,226. Winston 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, Winston ($97,038 effective) pays 4.88% more than Matthews ($92,527 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Matthews if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,317/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,313)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,038)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Matthews grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Winston over the same period.
Matthews, NC
$75,870 (2024) → $83,282 (2025)
Winston, NC
$66,960 (2019) → $85,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Matthews, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Matthews or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Matthews and Winston?
Should I relocate from Matthews to Winston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Matthews vs Winston?
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