Phoenix vs Tucson: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,952▲ | $99,258 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.02▲ | $47.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,523▲ | $71,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,253 | $85,293▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,630▲ | $113,183 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,508▲ | $123,405 |
| Total Employed | 2,640▲ | 420 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tucson is $2,694 (2.71%). 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,Tucson spans $51,745. Phoenix 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, Tucson ($102,438 effective) pays 3.81% 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,508)
- ✓Larger job market (2,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,438)
- ✓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 29.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$75,220 (2019) → $98,040 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$73,810 (2019) → $95,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Phoenix or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Tucson as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Phoenix vs Tucson?
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