Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $92,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $92,284/year (≈ $44.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $89,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for a speech-language pathologist in Waynesboro, Virginia, is estimated to be $92,284, which is notably lower than the national median of $101,775. Salary figures in this area range from $61,103 at the 10th percentile to $122,861 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local market. Such figures are based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost of living adjustments. Notably, the telepractice sector has become a lucrative avenue for additional income, allowing SLPs to maximize their earnings. With a solid growth rate of 3.99% projected over the next five years, job stability and opportunities for advancement in Waynesboro's healthcare landscape remain promising.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,103 | $29.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,508 | $35.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,284 | $44.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,417 | $49.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,861 | $59.07 |
Median Salary Position
9.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,758 (2026 est.). At $92,284, the local median is 9.33% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be above the median
How Waynesboro Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $92,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $97,141 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -9.33% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $92,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.33% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $97,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,284 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,422 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,742
2025 BLS Actual
$88,743
2026 Current Est.
$92,284
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,687 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,743 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,966 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $71,742 (2019) to $88,743 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,966 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,224 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $61,103 – $73,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,508 – $92,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,284 – $102,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,417 – $122,861 |
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 Waynesboro
Currently, Waynesboro employs four speech-language pathologists, providing a small but steady local workforce. The cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that living expenses in the area are slightly above the national average, which can affect the purchasing power of SLPs. Among local employers, school districts typically hire the majority of speech-language pathologists, though those seeking higher pay can find better compensation in hospital settings or outpatient clinics. Variability in salaries is influenced by several factors, including the work setting, specialty certifications, and whether SLPs take on year-round contracts or pursue private practice opportunities. To optimize earnings in Waynesboro, aspiring SLPs may consider obtaining additional certifications or engaging in telepractice to supplement their income, capitalizing on the growing demand for flexible service delivery models in the field.
More salary data for Waynesboro, VA:
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 $88,743 for speech-language pathologistsin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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