Trenton vs Union City: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,593 | $115,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.40 | $55.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,807 | $78,659▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,705 | $94,228▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,489 | $137,198▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,736 | $160,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Union City, NJ offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $17,038 (17.28%). Union City's median is +13.61% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $59,929,Union City spans $82,059. Union City 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, Union City ($100,374 effective) pays 5.04% more than Trenton ($95,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,718)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,374)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Trenton grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Union City over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$80,030 (2019) → $94,810 (2025)
Union City, NJ
$111,342 (2024) → $111,194 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Union City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Trenton or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Trenton vs Union City?
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