Richmond vs Winchester: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Richmond, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,914▲ | $99,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.03▲ | $48.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,401 | $76,849▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,783 | $85,833▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,450 | $138,951▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,780 | $141,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $42 (0.04%). Richmond's median is -1.83% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $59,379,Winchester spans $64,234. Winchester 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, Winchester ($103,548 effective) pays 1.42% more than Richmond ($102,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,914/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,083)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,548)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Richmond grew 17.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$81,670 (2019) → $96,080 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$82,430 (2019) → $96,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Richmond or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Winchester as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Richmond vs Winchester?
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