Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Athens, OH: $88,788 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Athens, OH earns a median $88,788/year (≈ $42.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $97,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the projected median salary for speech-language pathologists in 2026 stands at $88,788, which represents a notable decrease of 12.76% compared to the national median of $101,775. This region's salary range is broad, from $60,119 at the 10th percentile to $114,481 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying pay levels dependent on setting and experience. The BLS estimates for 2026 have specifically taken into account local economic factors and adjustments based on regional price parities, underscoring how local market dynamics can influence compensation packages. In particular, the structural divide between school-based and medical SLP roles significantly shapes the job landscape in Athens, where school districts tend to offer contracts that align with the academic calendar, compared to year-round opportunities typically available in medical settings.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,119 | $28.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,620 | $34.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,788 | $42.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,197 | $48.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,481 | $55.04 |
Median Salary Position
12.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,362 (2026 est.). At $88,788, the local median is 12.76% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be above the median
How Athens Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $88,788/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $95,676 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -12.76% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Athens, OH earn a median of $88,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $95,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $88,788 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,892 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,024
2025 BLS Actual
$85,381
2026 Current Est.
$88,788
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,024 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,896 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,008 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,788 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,330 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $69,024 (2019) to $85,381 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,330 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,306 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $60,119 – $71,620 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,620 – $88,788 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,788 – $101,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,197 – $114,481 |
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 Athens
The local job market for speech-language pathologists in Athens is relatively small, employing just five professionals within the area. Despite a cost-of-living index of 90.7—which is below the national average—real purchasing power can be affected by the relatively lower salary figures. Employers such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and specialized outpatient clinics tend to offer higher salaries compared to traditional school system roles. The disparity in compensation can be attributed to factors like the nature of employment contracts and the clinical setting; medical environments often command better pay due to specialized skills required, such as dysphagia management. For those SLPs seeking to maximize their earnings in Athens, pursuing certifications in specialized areas or exploring roles in telepractice, which became particularly prominent after 2020, can provide financial advantages. Understanding the variations in pay dynamics and aligning one's career focus with the most lucrative settings can optimize overall compensation in this market.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
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 $85,381 for speech-language pathologistsin the Athens 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 Athens 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