Northfield vs St. Cloud: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Northfield, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Northfield, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,322 | $88,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.06 | $42.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,976 | $64,068▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,889 | $74,623▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,665 | $107,390▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,944 | $113,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northfield.
The salary gap between Northfield and St. Cloud is $5,111 (6.13%). St. Cloud's median is -13.11% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Northfield spans $50,968,St. Cloud spans $49,791. Northfield 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, St. Cloud ($100,914 effective) pays 19.30% more than Northfield ($84,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Northfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,433/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,859)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,914)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Northfield grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Northfield, MN
$80,879 (2024) → $80,125 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$77,960 (2019) → $85,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Northfield, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Northfield or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Northfield and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Northfield to St. Cloud as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Northfield vs St. Cloud?
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