Nashville vs Smyrna: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Nashville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,123 | $87,154▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.89 | $41.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,631▲ | $55,773 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,165 | $68,387▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,921▲ | $102,816 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,490 | $116,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Smyrna, TN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Smyrna is $31 (0.04%). Smyrna's median is -14.37% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $52,859,Smyrna spans $60,748. Smyrna 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, Smyrna ($94,939 effective) pays 4.98% more than Nashville ($90,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,154/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,521)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,939)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Nashville grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$72,240 (2019) → $83,780 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$76,088 (2024) → $83,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Nashville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Smyrna as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Nashville vs Smyrna?
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