Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lexington, SC: $87,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Lexington, SC earns a median $87,037/year (≈ $41.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $95,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, South Carolina, the projected median annual salary for speech-language pathologists in 2026 is $87,037, which reflects a notable disparity compared to the national median of $101,775. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $56,480 and top earners making up to $109,932. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, and highlight the demand for SLPs with specialized skills, particularly in dysphagia and medical settings. This subspecialty often commands higher compensation, indicating a strong job market for clinicians who can navigate these complex patient needs effectively in Lexington.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,480 | $27.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,700 | $33.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,037 | $41.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,784 | $47.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,932 | $52.85 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,452 (2026 est.). At $87,037, the local median is 14.48% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be above the median
How Lexington Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Lexington median: $87,037/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $92,102 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -14.48% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Lexington, SC earn a median of $87,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $92,102.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $87,037 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,122 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,662
2025 BLS Actual
$83,697
2026 Current Est.
$87,037
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,825 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $67,662 (2019) to $83,697 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,847 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $56,480 – $68,700 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,700 – $87,037 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,037 – $97,784 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,784 – $109,932 |
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 Lexington
While the area employs only five speech-language pathologists, the local job market benefits from a cost of living index of 91.5, which positively impacts the purchasing power of salaries here. School districts typically hire a majority of SLPs, forming a large portion of the workforce, but positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities tend to offer more competitive salaries due to the clinical responsibilities involved. Factors such as contract duration—year-round versus the school year—can also create variability in pay. Additionally, earning potential can be enhanced through board specialty certification stipends, telepractice work, and targeting bilingual opportunities, which are increasingly valuable in various care settings. To maximize compensation, SLPs in Lexington should consider diverse employment options, develop specialized skills, and stay informed about market trends.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Lexington, SC in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Lexington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted speech-language pathologist salary in Lexington?
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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 $83,697 for speech-language pathologistsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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