Pasadena vs Riverside: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Pasadena, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pasadena, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,344▲ | $123,291 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.78▲ | $59.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,666▲ | $61,968 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,860▲ | $93,768 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,427▲ | $137,152 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,345▲ | $152,075 |
| Total Employed | 35 | 2,120▲ |
Verdict
Pasadena, CA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Pasadena and Riverside is $1,053 (0.85%). Pasadena's median is +22.18% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pasadena spans $96,679,Riverside spans $90,107. Pasadena 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, Riverside ($115,829 effective) pays 5.36% more than Pasadena ($109,942 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pasadena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,344/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,345)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,829)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Pasadena grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Pasadena, CA
$120,809 (2024) → $119,573 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$90,990 (2019) → $118,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pasadena, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Pasadena or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pasadena and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Pasadena to Riverside as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Pasadena vs Riverside?
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