Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rockville, MD: $108,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Rockville, MD earns a median $108,449/year (≈ $52.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Rockville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $99,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rockville, Maryland, the anticipated median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist is projected at $108,449 for 2026, exceeding the national median of $101,775. The salary range varies significantly, from $71,788 at the 10th percentile to $147,977 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market with varying opportunities based on specialization and experience. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost disparities, reflect the key structural divide in the profession: SLPs in school settings may have different pay structures and contract lengths compared to those working in medical environments. Given that school districts hire around 55% of speech-language pathologists, understanding this divide is essential for anyone considering a career in Rockville's market.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,788 | $34.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,513 | $40.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,449 | $52.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,356 | $61.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,977 | $71.14 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockville
In Rockville, MD, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,189 (2026 est.). At $108,449, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockville Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Rockville median: $108,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $111,230 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | +6.56% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Rockville, MD earn a median of $108,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $111,230.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,449 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,221 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,308
2025 BLS Actual
$104,288
2026 Current Est.
$108,449
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,758 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,245 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,658 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockville metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $84,308 (2019) to $104,288 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,468 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockville 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) | $71,788 – $84,513 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,513 – $108,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,449 – $127,356 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,356 – $147,977 |
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 Rockville
With only 15 speech-language pathologists currently employed in Rockville, the local job market suggests a concentrated demand. Rockville's cost of living index stands at 109.3, which implies that while salaries are competitive, the higher living costs may affect purchasing power. Employment opportunities vary by sector; positions in hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient pediatric clinics typically offer higher pay rates compared to those in school districts, especially when considering contracts that span the full calendar year against the academic year contracts common in education. Additionally, bilingual SLPs and those with board specialty certifications may command higher wages due to the growing need for diverse communication strategies. Those looking to maximize their earnings should consider roles in telepractice, which surged in popularity post-2020, or seek out skilled nursing facilities known for higher pay scales. Keeping up with industry trends and pursuing specialties could prove beneficial for enhancing one's salary in Rockville.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
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 $104,288 for speech-language pathologistsin the Rockville 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 Rockville 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