Entry-Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Derry, NH: $72,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:New speech-language pathologists entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,345 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1127, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,423 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,815) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field, the starting speech-language pathologist salary in Derry, NH, is projected to be around $72,345 in 2026, providing a solid foundation for new graduates. This amount is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $104,815, indicating a typical gap often experienced by many professionals transitioning from academia to employment. However, there is an optimistic growth trajectory for entry-level positions; it is realistic for new graduates to advance towards the 25th percentile salary of $85,867 and ultimately the median within the first few years of their careers. Overall, Derry presents a favorable job market for new SLPs, combining a competitive salary with opportunities for growth in one of New Hampshire's well-established professional environments.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
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 Derry
Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Derry, NH typically start between $72,345 and $85,867 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,311 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,815 — 2.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average speech-language pathology program cost in New Hampshire of $100,000 represents just 138.23% of the starting speech-language pathologist pay ($72,345/year) in Derry. 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 Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level speech-language pathologist pay ranges from $72,345 to $85,867, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derry, 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 Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry's moderate 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 Derry is $71,311 ( 98.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,345, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,656.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,124
2025 BLS Actual
$69,569
2026 Current Est.
$72,345
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,124 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,231 | Projected |
Entry-level speech-language pathologist compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,124 in 2019 to $69,569 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,231. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
In Derry, various employers actively recruit entry-level speech-language pathologists, primarily focusing on school districts that account for approximately 55% of SLPs nationwide. These districts often provide structured mentorship programs for Clinical Fellowship Years (CFY), which can significantly enhance a new grad's professional development. Besides schools, hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also employ SLPs, particularly those with a dysphagia focus, often offering higher salaries than their educational counterparts. For new graduates looking to boost their earning potential in NH, obtaining credentials such as the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), state licensure, and pursuing board certifications can be beneficial. Those starting out can realistically expect to see an increase in compensation as they accumulate experience, with the potential for advancement being particularly notable for positions in medical settings or telepractice, which has expanded rapidly since 2020.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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 Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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