Entry-Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Brandon, MS: $56,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:New speech-language pathologists entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,069 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1127, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,425 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,126) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on a career as a speech-language pathologist in Brandon, Mississippi, can expect a starting salary of roughly $56,069. This figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $83,126, reflecting the broader trend of entry-level positions generally earning less than their more experienced counterparts. For those in their early career, transitioning from entry-level compensation through the first three to five years can see salaries rise to approximately $67,394 at the 25th percentile and potentially average closer to the median as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 3.99% annually, Brandon offers a promising job market for fresh graduates, particularly when considering the increasing demand for services in this field, especially within local school districts and healthcare facilities.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brandon
Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Brandon, MS typically start between $56,069 and $67,394 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,739 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,126 — 18.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average speech-language pathology program cost in Mississippi of $45,000 represents just 80.26% of the starting speech-language pathologist pay ($56,069/year) in Brandon. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAA-accredited Master's in Speech-Language Pathology programs. Tuition varies widely between public in-state and private institutions; most programs also require a Clinical Fellowship Year for ASHA certification.
SLP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level speech-language pathologist pay ranges from $56,069 to $67,394, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the speech-language pathology field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brandon, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Speech-Language Pathologist Compensation Range
The speech-language pathologist wage spread in Brandon is $56,739 ( 101.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,069, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,808.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,723
2025 BLS Actual
$53,918
2026 Current Est.
$56,069
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,306 | Projected |
Entry-level speech-language pathologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,723 in 2019 to $53,918 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,306. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your speech-language pathology Career in Brandon
New speech-language pathologists in Brandon might find various employment opportunities with both school districts and healthcare providers. Schools typically hire recent graduates, often providing structured mentorship through the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), which is critical for gaining the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Additionally, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, which are more focused on the medical aspects of speech therapy, tend to offer competitive salaries and structured residency programs. Pursuing a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program and obtaining a state SLP license are foundational steps that will enhance earning potential in Mississippi. While salary growth in the first few years might be modest, with many early-career professionals moving towards specialized roles, establishing a foundation in either educational or medical settings could lead to more lucrative positions in the future.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new speech-language pathology graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
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