Spokane vs Yakima: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Spokane, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Yakima, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,510 | $107,578▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.25 | $51.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,757 | $81,934▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,858 | $89,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,976 | $118,933▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,930 | $129,291▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Yakima, WA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Spokane and Yakima is $3,068 (2.94%). Yakima's median is +5.70% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $51,173,Yakima spans $47,357. Spokane 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, Yakima ($112,594 effective) pays 8.11% more than Spokane ($104,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Yakima if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,578/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,291)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,594)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Spokane grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Yakima over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$71,680 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)
Yakima, WA
$79,210 (2019) → $103,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Yakima, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Spokane or Yakima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Yakima?
Should I relocate from Spokane to Yakima as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Spokane vs Yakima?
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