Entry-Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Clearfield, UT: $65,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:New speech-language pathologists entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,985 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1127, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,263 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,691) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearfield, Utah, new graduates looking to begin their careers as speech-language pathologists can anticipate a starting salary around $65,985, which presents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $96,691. For entry-level positions, it's essential to maintain realistic expectations, as many new SLPs will find themselves on a growth trajectory leading from that initial figure through to an expected $78,655 within a few years. The potential for salary advancement is positive in Clearfield, especially given the estimated annual growth rate of 3.99%. With entry-level pay lower than the national average of $101,775, new grads may need to build experience and credentials to close this gap while also benefiting from the favorable job market projected for the coming years.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Clearfield, UT typically start between $65,985 and $78,655 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,651 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,691 — 5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average speech-language pathology program cost in Utah of $65,000 represents just 98.51% of the starting speech-language pathologist pay ($65,985/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level speech-language pathologist pay ranges from $65,985 to $78,655, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $65,651 ( 99.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,985, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,636.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,278
2025 BLS Actual
$63,453
2026 Current Est.
$65,985
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,618 | Projected |
Entry-level speech-language pathologist compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,278 in 2019 to $63,453 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,618. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
New graduates entering the speech-language pathology field in Clearfield will find numerous employers eager to hire. School districts are the largest market, offering structured mentorship programs through the Clinical Fellowship Year, which is crucial for earning the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Additionally, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are increasing their recruitment of new talent by providing medical residency opportunities that tend to come with higher salaries. Credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program and state licensure will enhance initial hiring prospects and starting pay. For recent graduates, targeting positions in educational settings may yield the most immediate opportunities, as school districts account for roughly 55% of SLP employment. Overall, with strategic positioning and continued professional development, new grad speech-language pathologists can look forward to promising salary growth over their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is speech-language pathology school worth it in Clearfield?
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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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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