Phoenix vs Mesa: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,952▲ | $101,458 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.02▲ | $48.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,523▲ | $65,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,253▲ | $80,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,630▲ | $119,422 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,508 | $140,808▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,640▲ | 98 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Mesa is $494 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is +0.17% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $63,985,Mesa spans $75,238. Mesa 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, Mesa ($103,003 effective) pays 4.38% more than Phoenix ($98,680 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,952/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,808)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,003)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Phoenix grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$75,220 (2019) → $98,040 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$95,279 (2024) → $97,565 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Phoenix or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Mesa as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Phoenix vs Mesa?
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