Rochester vs Valley Stream: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Rochester, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,421 | $84,453▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.11 | $40.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,714▲ | $52,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,722 | $70,331▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,260▲ | $99,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,298▲ | $114,582 |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Rochester and Valley Stream are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rochester and Valley Stream is $1,032 (1.24%). Valley Stream's median is -17.02% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $67,584,Valley Stream spans $62,064. Rochester 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, Rochester ($85,970 effective) pays 17.98% more than Valley Stream ($72,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,298)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,970)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Valley Stream if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,453/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Rochester grew 14.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.8% growth in Valley Stream over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$70,300 (2019) → $80,220 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$107,991 (2024) → $81,213 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Rochester or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Valley Stream as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Rochester vs Valley Stream?
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