Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $97,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $97,545/year (≈ $46.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $99,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the earnings for speech-language pathologists in Buckeye, Arizona, are projected to hit a median of $97,545, reflecting a competitive landscape when compared to the national average of $101,775. With a salary range spanning from $65,818 at the 10th percentile to $134,908 at the 90th percentile, this compensation level showcases the potential for strong earnings, particularly for those specializing in dysphagia and medical SLP services. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, indicating a local market that appreciates the advanced skill sets brought by specialized practitioners. Considering Buckeye's specific needs, particularly at healthcare facilities, there’s significant demand for SLPs, suggesting a robust job market for qualified candidates.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,818 | $31.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,086 | $38.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,545 | $46.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,619 | $53.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,908 | $64.86 |
Median Salary Position
4.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,090 (2026 est.). At $97,545, the local median is 4.16% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $97,545/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $99,232 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -4.16% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $97,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $99,232.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $97,545 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,030 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,831
2025 BLS Actual
$93,802
2026 Current Est.
$97,545
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $75,831 (2019) to $93,802 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,606 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,818 – $79,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,086 – $97,545 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,545 – $111,619 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,619 – $134,908 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Buckeye
In Buckeye, only 19 speech-language pathologists are currently employed, pointing to a focused yet competitive job market. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, meaning housing and daily expenses are slightly below the national average, which enhances the take-home value of salaries for SLPs. Among the various employers in the area, hospital inpatient rehab facilities generally offer the highest pay, particularly for professionals with specialized certifications or those working with dysphagia patients. In contrast, positions in school districts may present a lower pay scale, influenced by contract norms and summer breaks. To maximize their earnings, speech-language pathologists in Buckeye should consider additional certifications, seek year-round contracts when possible, or explore telepractice opportunities, which gained traction post-2020 and often provide flexibility with competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Buckeye, AZ in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Buckeye?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $93,802 for speech-language pathologistsin the Buckeye metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye 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