Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Colorado: $116,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median speech-language pathologist pay sits at $116,669/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1127. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $111,113 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boulder ($131,620), Pueblo ($119,670), Centennial ($113,117).
In 2026, the average median salary for speech-language pathologists in Colorado is projected to be $116,668, which exceeds the national median of $101,775 by 14.6%. This higher compensation reflects the state's cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in the field. Boulder stands out as the highest-paying city, with an average salary of $136,872, while Greeley offers the lowest salary at $103,106, creating a salary gap of $33,766. Factors driving this disparity include local economic conditions, the availability of positions, and the concentration of specialized facilities in urban areas like Boulder. Colorado has its own state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can influence salaries and job responsibilities. The job market for speech-language pathologists is steady, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.99%, indicating a consistent demand for these professionals. Key drivers include an increasing awareness of communication disorders and a growing elderly population requiring speech and language interventions. With 4,239 speech-language pathologists employed throughout the state, job opportunities remain plentiful across various cities, including Pueblo ($124,445), Centennial ($117,630), Arvada ($117,511), and Thornton ($116,564).
Colorado Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $67,586 (lowest entry-level) to $191,071 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado speech-language pathologists earn 14.63% more than the national median (+$14,894/year difference).
Colorado Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Colorado range from $77,000 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $168,596 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $116,669. The Colorado median is $14,894 above the US national median of $101,775. The average hourly rate is $56.09/hr. Approximately 4,239 speech-language pathologists are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$88,847
2025 BLS Actual
$112,192
2026 Current Est.
$116,669
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,324 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 26.3% from $88,847 (2019) to $112,192 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,324 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,477 (36.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Greeley | $103,106 |
| Loveland | $104,300 |
| Golden | $105,629 |
| Evans | $106,285 |
| Fort Collins | $106,860 |
Best Value Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for speech-language pathologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblo | $124,445 | 91.762 | $135,617 |
| Boulder | $136,872 | 105.202 | $130,104 |
| Grand Junction | $114,763 | 95.476 | $120,201 |
| Centennial | $117,630 | 105 | $112,029 |
| Arvada | $117,511 | 105 | $111,915 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $77,000 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $116,669 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $168,596 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | $136,872 |
| 2 | Pueblo | $124,445 |
| 3 | Centennial | $117,630 |
| 4 | Arvada | $117,511 |
| 5 | Thornton | $116,564 |
| 6 | Denver | $116,562 |
| 7 | Westminster | $115,406 |
| 8 | Lakewood | $114,850 |
| 9 | Grand Junction | $114,763 |
| 10 | Aurora | $114,003 |
| 11 | Parker | $113,757 |
| 12 | Erie | $113,551 |
| 13 | Windsor | $113,266 |
| 14 | Castle Rock | $113,048 |
| 15 | Broomfield | $113,011 |
| 16 | Longmont | $112,975 |
| 17 | Colorado Springs | $112,455 |
| 18 | Englewood | $112,108 |
| 19 | Commerce City | $111,330 |
| 20 | Lafayette | $111,067 |
| 21 | Wheat Ridge | $110,426 |
| 22 | Brighton | $109,392 |
| 23 | Littleton | $109,027 |
| 24 | Fountain | $108,965 |
| 25 | Northglenn | $108,858 |
| 26 | Steamboat Springs | $108,218 |
| 27 | Durango | $107,537 |
| 28 | Louisville | $106,907 |
| 29 | Fort Collins | $106,860 |
| 30 | Evans | $106,285 |
| 31 | Golden | $105,629 |
| 32 | Loveland | $104,300 |
| 33 | Greeley | $103,106 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore speech-language pathologist hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced speech-language pathologists.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for speech-language pathologists in Colorado?
How does Colorado speech-language pathologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level speech-language pathologist salary in Colorado?
How many speech-language pathologists are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for speech-language pathologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 speech-language pathologist compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more speech-language pathologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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