Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in University City, MO: $91,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in University City, MO earns a median $91,725/year (≈ $44.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $102,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for speech-language pathologists in University City, Missouri, is projected to average around $91,725 annually. This figure reflects the ongoing disparity between roles within the educational and medical sectors of the profession, particularly given the differences in contract types—year-round employment is often favored in medical settings, while school districts, which employ about 55% of SLPs, mainly offer school-year contracts. The full salary spectrum ranges from $59,715 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $118,071 at the higher end (90th percentile), indicating a diverse market shaped by both local demand and the professional background of practitioners. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and regional price adjustments specific to University City.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,715 | $28.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,560 | $34.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,725 | $44.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,967 | $50.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,071 | $56.77 |
Median Salary Position
9.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,356 (2026 est.). At $91,725, the local median is 9.87% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be above the median
How University City Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
University City median: $91,725/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $93,028 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -9.87% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in University City, MO earn a median of $91,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.87% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $93,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $91,725 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,372 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,307
2025 BLS Actual
$88,206
2026 Current Est.
$91,725
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,832 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,667 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $71,307 (2019) to $88,206 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,078 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $59,715 – $72,560 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,560 – $91,725 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,725 – $105,967 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,967 – $118,071 |
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 University City
Considering the local job market for speech-language pathologists, only six professionals are currently employed in University City, revealing a niche environment with significant potential for growth. The cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability of living in University City enhances overall purchasing power. Those seeking the highest salaries may find opportunities with hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities or outpatient pediatric clinics, where dysphagia treatment often commands a premium. The variation in pay stems from differing employment settings; typically, medical positions offer higher compensation compared to school districts and private practices. To maximize pay within this market, speech-language pathologists may consider pursuing specialty certifications that could command higher stipends or explore telepractice options, which have surged in demand after 2020. Additionally, bilingual SLPs often enjoy increased remuneration due to the growing need for diverse language skills within the community.
More salary data for University City, MO:
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 $88,206 for speech-language pathologistsin the University City 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 University City 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