Mesa vs Nogales: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Nogales, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Nogales, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,458▲ | $93,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.78▲ | $44.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,570▲ | $60,541 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,562▲ | $79,265 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,422▲ | $104,774 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,808▲ | $117,326 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.
The salary gap between Mesa and Nogales is $7,967 (8.52%). Mesa's median is -0.31% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $75,238,Nogales spans $56,785. Mesa 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, Mesa ($103,003 effective) pays 8.52% more than Nogales ($94,915 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,808)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,003)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Nogales if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Mesa grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Nogales over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$95,279 (2024) → $97,565 (2025)
Nogales, AZ
$83,508 (2024) → $89,904 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nogales, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Mesa or Nogales?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Nogales?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Nogales as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Mesa vs Nogales?
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