Salina vs Wichita: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Salina, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salina, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,520▲ | $81,518 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.04▲ | $39.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,981▲ | $58,359 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,218▲ | $71,441 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,395 | $101,962▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,413 | $117,124▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Salina and Wichita are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Salina and Wichita is $8,002 (9.82%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salina spans $52,432,Wichita spans $58,765. Wichita 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, Salina ($98,482 effective) pays 7.46% more than Wichita ($91,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,520/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,482)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,124)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Salina grew 22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Salina, KS
$70,366 (2024) → $86,085 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$66,660 (2019) → $78,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salina, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Salina or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salina and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Salina to Wichita as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Salina vs Wichita?
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