Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Laurel, MS: $80,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Laurel, MS earns a median $80,667/year (≈ $38.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $94,127 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the speech-language pathologist salary in Laurel, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $80,667. This local estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost disparities, showcases a salary range from $56,685 to $103,331. Notably, the local compensation is approximately 20.74% lower than the national median salary of $101,775 for the same year. For practitioners considering opportunities in Laurel, the effective hourly compensation averages around $38.78, indicating viable options for both full-time roles and potential telepractice engagements, which have surged in popularity since the pandemic. This burgeoning sector could enhance earning capacity for SLPs seeking flexible work arrangements in the region.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,685 | $27.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,571 | $32.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,667 | $38.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,762 | $44.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,331 | $49.68 |
Median Salary Position
20.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,646 (2026 est.). At $80,667, the local median is 20.74% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be above the median
How Laurel Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Laurel median: $80,667/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $87,208 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -20.74% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Laurel, MS earn a median of $80,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $87,208.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $80,667 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,127 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,711
2025 BLS Actual
$77,572
2026 Current Est.
$80,667
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,711 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,663 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,822 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,886 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $62,711 (2019) to $77,572 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,886 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,175 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $56,685 – $66,571 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,571 – $80,667 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,667 – $91,762 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,762 – $103,331 |
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 Laurel
With only six speech-language pathologists actively employed in Laurel, the competitive job market reflects a modest demand against the backdrop of a cost-of-living index of 85.7, which suggests a lower-than-average living expense compared to national figures. This affordability can positively influence overall purchasing power for SLPs in the area. Those seeking higher compensation may find more lucrative opportunities within hospital settings and skilled nursing facilities, which often prioritize medical expertise over educational roles in school districts, where the pay tends to be lower. Factors contributing to the spread in salaries include working with specialized populations, the seasonal nature of school contracts compared to year-round positions, and additional stipends for board certifications. For enhancing earnings in Laurel, pursuing telepractice options or obtaining bilingual certifications can provide distinct advantages in a competitive market.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 $77,572 for speech-language pathologistsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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