Passaic vs Trenton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Passaic, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Passaic, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,758▲ | $98,593 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.18▲ | $47.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,684▲ | $70,807 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,481▲ | $81,705 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,639▲ | $110,489 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,964▲ | $130,736 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Passaic, NJ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Passaic and Trenton is $16,165 (16.40%). Passaic's median is +12.76% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Passaic spans $85,280,Trenton spans $59,929. Passaic 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, Passaic ($99,616 effective) pays 4.25% more than Trenton ($95,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Passaic if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,964)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,616)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Passaic grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Passaic, NJ
$110,502 (2024) → $110,355 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$80,030 (2019) → $94,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Passaic, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Passaic or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Passaic and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Passaic to Trenton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Passaic vs Trenton?
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