Sarasota vs Tampa: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Sarasota, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sarasota, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,915▲ | $100,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.40▲ | $48.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,927 | $79,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,103 | $85,573▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,834▲ | $108,659 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,897▲ | $126,826 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,710▲ |
Verdict
Sarasota, FL offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Sarasota and Tampa is $6,481 (6.45%). Sarasota's median is +5.05% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sarasota spans $74,970,Tampa spans $47,471. Sarasota 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, Sarasota ($106,066 effective) pays 6.55% more than Tampa ($99,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sarasota if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,915/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,066)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Sarasota grew 18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Sarasota, FL
$87,095 (2024) → $102,813 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$77,240 (2019) → $96,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sarasota, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Sarasota or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sarasota and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Sarasota to Tampa as a speech-language pathologist?
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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