Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $97,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $97,371/year (≈ $46.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $89,743 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the financial outlook for speech-language pathologists sees a median annual salary of $97,371 as projected for 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $101,775. The local salary range offers significant variability, from $65,266 at the lower end (P10) to an upper threshold of $131,655 (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that the market offers both competitive and accessible options for professionals in the field. Understanding the divide between school-based and medical SLP roles is essential, as school contracts typically run during the academic year while medical settings may provide year-round opportunities, influencing overall earnings potential.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,266 | $31.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,639 | $37.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,371 | $46.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,017 | $54.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,655 | $63.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,389 (2026 est.). At $97,371, the local median is 4.33% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $97,371/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $102,388 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -4.33% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $97,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $102,388.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,371 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,743 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,696
2025 BLS Actual
$93,635
2026 Current Est.
$97,371
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,696 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,426 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,635 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $75,696 (2019) to $93,635 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,560 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $65,266 – $78,639 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,639 – $97,371 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,371 – $114,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,017 – $131,655 |
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 Chelmsford
The Chelmsford area currently employs eight speech-language pathologists, reflecting a stable job market despite the relatively high cost of living index at 108.5. This index underscores the importance of salary when it comes to real purchasing power. Among the various employers in Chelmsford, school districts are notable for their substantial workforce, but employers in medical settings, such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, often offer higher salaries due to the specialized nature of the services provided. The spread between the lower and higher pay brackets often ties back to work setting, required credentials, and the demand for bilingual skills. To maximize earning potential, SLPs can seek out positions in medical facilities, pursue additional certifications, or explore telepractice opportunities, which have notably expanded since 2020. For those in the CFY, focusing on specialized training can provide a competitive edge in Chelmsford's job market.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Chelmsford, MA in 2026?
Is Chelmsford, MA a good place to work as a speech-language pathologist?
Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Chelmsford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted speech-language pathologist salary in Chelmsford?
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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 $93,635 for speech-language pathologistsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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