New Orleans vs Zachary: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,509▲ | $66,095 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.71▲ | $31.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,940▲ | $46,994 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,841▲ | $54,997 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,799▲ | $73,118 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,465▲ | $87,617 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 6 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Zachary is $14,414 (21.81%). New Orleans's median is -20.90% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $40,525,Zachary spans $40,623. Zachary 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, New Orleans ($86,946 effective) pays 18.79% more than Zachary ($73,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,509/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,465)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,946)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Zachary if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in New Orleans grew 2.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Zachary over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$75,830 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$68,865 (2024) → $63,559 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: New Orleans or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Zachary?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Zachary as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in New Orleans vs Zachary?
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