St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Cape Girardeau, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Cape Girardeau, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,931 | $101,806▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.24 | $48.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,501 | $65,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,511 | $90,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,359 | $110,177▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,997▲ | $117,883 |
| Total Employed | 1,630▲ | 80 |
Verdict
St. Louis and Cape Girardeau are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau is $11,875 (13.20%). Cape Girardeau's median is +0.03% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $57,496,Cape Girardeau spans $51,901. St. Louis 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, Cape Girardeau ($118,272 effective) pays 25.05% more than St. Louis ($94,577 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,997)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,806/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,272)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in St. Louis grew -2.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 74.2% growth in Cape Girardeau over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$88,360 (2019) → $86,480 (2025)
Cape Girardeau, MO
$56,190 (2020) → $97,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: St. Louis or Cape Girardeau?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau?
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