SeaTac vs Seattle: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between SeaTac, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SeaTac, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,350 | $113,027▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.16 | $54.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,543 | $88,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,763 | $102,950▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,502 | $133,014▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,521▲ | $140,303 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,910▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to SeaTac.
The salary gap between SeaTac and Seattle is $8,677 (8.32%). Seattle's median is +11.06% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in SeaTac spans $76,978,Seattle spans $51,714. SeaTac 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, Seattle ($101,704 effective) pays 4.68% more than SeaTac ($97,160 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose SeaTac if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,521)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,027/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,704)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in SeaTac grew -0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
SeaTac, WA
$101,031 (2024) → $100,346 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$78,210 (2019) → $108,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
SeaTac, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: SeaTac or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between SeaTac and Seattle?
Should I relocate from SeaTac to Seattle as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in SeaTac vs Seattle?
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