Norfolk vs Virginia Beach: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,293▲ | $101,775 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.66▲ | $48.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,593 | $68,061▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,362 | $83,390▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,930▲ | $118,289 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,920▲ | $136,268 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is $1,518 (1.49%). Norfolk's median is +1.49% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $86,327,Virginia Beach spans $68,207. Norfolk 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, Virginia Beach ($103,915 effective) pays 3.82% more than Norfolk ($100,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,293/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,920)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,915)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Norfolk grew 7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$92,778 (2024) → $99,330 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$81,340 (2019) → $97,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Virginia Beach as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
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