Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Smyrna, DE: $95,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Smyrna, DE earns a median $95,890/year (≈ $46.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $94,287 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, the projected median annual compensation for a speech-language pathologist is $95,890, a figure that reflects a competitive local market for this healthcare profession. The salary range for speech-language pathologists in this area varies significantly, from $67,657 at the 10th percentile to $123,134 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional price adjustments. Notably, the specialty of dysphagia and medical SLP positions can command higher rates, influencing the overall salary dynamics for speech pathologists in Smyrna DE, particularly as the demand for healthcare services continues to evolve.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,657 | $32.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,334 | $38.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,890 | $46.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,265 | $52.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,134 | $59.20 |
Median Salary Position
5.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,477 (2026 est.). At $95,890, the local median is 5.78% below the national median of $101,775.
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How Smyrna Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $95,890/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $103,553 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -5.78% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $95,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $103,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,890 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,287 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,545
2025 BLS Actual
$92,211
2026 Current Est.
$95,890
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,489 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,911 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,716 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $74,545 (2019) to $92,211 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,716 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,171 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $67,657 – $79,334 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,334 – $95,890 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,890 – $109,265 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,265 – $123,134 |
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 Smyrna
Employment opportunities for speech-language pathologists in Smyrna are currently limited, with only five professionals reported in the area. However, the cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 101.7, which can impact the purchasing power of speech-language pathologist pay in Smyrna DE. Local employers, including hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and skilled nursing facilities, often offer higher salaries compared to school district positions. Factors such as the setting of employment—medical versus educational—play a critical role in determining pay disparities. Speech-language pathologists can maximize their earnings by considering year-round contracts and pursuing board specialty certifications, which can lead to salary stipends. Additionally, bilingual skills and the flexibility of telepractice roles may provide competitive advantages in terms of both hourly rates and job availability.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
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 $92,211 for speech-language pathologistsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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