Olympia vs Tukwila: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Olympia, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Tukwila, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,446▲ | $98,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.70▲ | $47.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,125▲ | $69,075 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,300▲ | $78,942 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,315▲ | $111,758 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,081▲ | $126,220 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tukwila.
The salary gap between Olympia and Tukwila is $7,014 (7.13%). Olympia's median is +3.61% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $37,956,Tukwila spans $57,145. Tukwila 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, Olympia ($101,713 effective) pays 10.98% more than Tukwila ($91,650 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,446/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,081)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,713)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tukwila if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Olympia grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Tukwila over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$79,510 (2019) → $101,400 (2025)
Tukwila, WA
$95,301 (2024) → $94,655 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Tukwila, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Olympia or Tukwila?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Tukwila?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Tukwila as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Olympia vs Tukwila?
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