Roanoke vs Sterling: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,213▲ | $93,202 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.78▲ | $44.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,534▲ | $63,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,939▲ | $74,246 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,630▲ | $108,139 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,135 | $124,385▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Sterling is $2,011 (2.16%). Roanoke's median is -6.45% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $57,601,Sterling spans $60,499. Sterling 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, Roanoke ($101,704 effective) pays 12.61% more than Sterling ($90,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,213/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,704)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,385)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Roanoke grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$81,910 (2019) → $91,560 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$85,156 (2024) → $89,626 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Roanoke or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Sterling as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Roanoke vs Sterling?
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