Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Bristol, CT: $103,336 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Bristol, CT earns a median $103,336/year (≈ $49.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $95,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is set at $103,336 for 2026, reflecting a slight increase compared to the national average of $101,775. This figure underscores the impact of subspecialties such as dysphagia, which can significantly elevate earning potential in the local market. The salary range is broad, with earnings spanning from $62,994 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an impressive $144,571 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the varied opportunities available based on experience, setting, and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional pricing further illustrate Bristol's competitive standing for speech-language pathologist pay, making it an attractive option for professionals looking to advance in their careers.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,994 | $30.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,933 | $40.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,336 | $49.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,493 | $59.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,571 | $69.51 |
Median Salary Position
1.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,577 (2026 est.). At $103,336, the local median is 1.53% above the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $103,336/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $104,169 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | +1.53% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Bristol, CT earn a median of $103,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.53% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $104,169.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,336 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,770 — a 7.32% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$80,333
2025 BLS Actual
$99,371
2026 Current Est.
$103,336
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,714 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,371 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,336 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,459 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $80,333 (2019) to $99,371 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,459 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,126 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $62,994 – $84,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,933 – $103,336 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,336 – $123,493 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,493 – $144,571 |
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 Bristol
As of 2026, there are thirteen speech-language pathologists employed in Bristol, CT, highlighting a modest yet stable local job market. The cost-of-living index in the city presently stands at 107.9, meaning that professionals may experience high living expenses that can diminish purchasing power. While school districts represent a significant portion of the job opportunities, those seeking higher compensations may find that medical settings—such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities—offer more lucrative positions. Factors influencing the salary variability include the advantages of year-round contracts found in medical and telepractice roles, as well as the need for bilingual capabilities in many clinics. To enhance earning potential, professionals in Bristol should explore diverse practice settings and pursue continued education or certification in high-demand areas, strategically positioning themselves within this evolving field.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Bristol, CT in 2026?
Is Bristol, CT a good place to work as a speech-language pathologist?
Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted speech-language pathologist salary in Bristol?
How much does a speech-language pathologist make per hour in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 $99,371 for speech-language pathologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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