Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lodi, CA: $121,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Lodi, CA earns a median $121,691/year (≈ $58.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $107,596 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lodi, California, the projected median annual salary for speech-language pathologists in 2026 is $121,691, significantly above the national median of $101,775. This figure reflects a localized market that values expertise, particularly in the subspecialty of dysphagia and medical speech-language pathology, where pay tends to be higher compared to traditional roles in schools. Salaries in Lodi vary widely, ranging from $80,710 at the 10th percentile to $166,317 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse landscape influenced by specific practice settings and qualifications. These estimates have been derived using BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, solidifying Lodi’s position as a competitive market for SLP professionals.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,710 | $38.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,707 | $46.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,691 | $58.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,976 | $68.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,317 | $79.96 |
Median Salary Position
19.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,607 (2026 est.). At $121,691, the local median is 19.57% above the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Lodi median: $121,691/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $123,419 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | +19.57% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Lodi, CA earn a median of $121,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.57% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the California state average of $123,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $121,691 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,596 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,603
2025 BLS Actual
$117,022
2026 Current Est.
$121,691
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,603 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,605 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,022 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $94,603 (2019) to $117,022 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,944 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $80,710 – $97,707 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,707 – $121,691 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,691 – $142,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,976 – $166,317 |
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 Lodi
The job market for speech-language pathologists in Lodi includes 14 practitioners, highlighting a modest yet established field. However, the local cost-of-living index of 113.1 can impact take-home pay, suggesting that while salaries are favorable, they are also reflective of higher living expenses. Among potential employers, medical settings, such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, typically offer the most competitive compensation, while school districts provide year-round job security but may offer lower pay. Variations in compensation arise from diverse factors, including practice settings, specialty certifications, and the increasing demand for bilingual SLPs. Given the 3.99% annual growth rate projected in this field, professionals in Lodi could maximize their earnings by exploring opportunities in medical rehab or telepractice, which has surged in popularity post-2020, offering flexible and potentially higher hourly rates.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
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
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 $117,022 for speech-language pathologistsin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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