Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $105,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of speech-language pathologists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,299/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1127. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $116,481 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, seasoned speech-language pathologists can anticipate a substantial earning potential in 2026, with the top-tier professionals (P90) reaching a salary of $105,299 and those in the P75 bracket earning around $92,973. This represents a notable experience premium compared to the median annual salary of $81,353, reflecting the advanced skills and knowledge that come with over seven years in the field. Reaching these upper echelons of compensation necessitates specialization in high-demand areas, such as pediatric autism, voice therapy, and augmentative communication, as well as strategic career moves within the local job market. Understanding how Burlington's compensation measures against national figures hints at an opportunity; while the top speech-language pathologist salary Burlington offers falls short of the national median of $101,775 by approximately 20.07%, the ongoing growth rate of 3.99% suggests promising upward mobility.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced speech-language pathologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $92,973 and $105,299 per year (2026 est.). This $50,203 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $81,353 sits 20.07% below the US median.
Top SLP Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,353 | $101,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,973 | $119,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,299 | $139,513 |
In Burlington, experienced speech-language pathologists (P90) earn 29.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA speech-language pathologists with additional specialty certifications within the speech-language pathology field earn significantly above the $81,353 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the speech-language pathology field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $92,973–$105,299 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced speech-language pathologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured speech-language pathologists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Speech-Language Pathologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Speech-Language Pathologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
5-10 yearsSpeech-Language Pathologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner speech-language pathologist salary (90th percentile: $105,299).
Top 10% speech-language pathologist compensation in Burlington ($105,299) is 9.16% below the Iowa average P90 ($115,921).
2019 BLS Actual
$91,523
2025 BLS Actual
$101,259
2026 Current Est.
$105,299
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,523 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,259 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,501 | Projected |
Top-earning speech-language pathologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 10.6% from $91,523 in 2019 to $101,259 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $109,501 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Speech-Language Pathologist Earnings in Burlington
Considering the landscape of advanced career paths available to experienced professionals, various specializations can lead to significant financial rewards. For instance, working in settings like skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, or pediatric outpatient clinics may present higher compensation compared to traditional school district roles. Moreover, leadership opportunities, such as positions as lead SLPs or district coordinators, can further enhance earning potential, especially for those with advanced credentials, including the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and specialized board certifications. In Burlington, non-salary factors also play a crucial role in attracting senior talent; pay differentials based on employment settings—medical facilities often offering higher wages than educational institutions—should be factored into compensation strategies. Additionally, bilingual SLPs and those working with telepractice can capitalize on unique market demands to command higher rates, elevating their overall compensation beyond just base salary figures.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced speech-language pathologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher speech-language pathologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost speech-language pathologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced speech-language pathologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does speech-language pathologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $101,259 for speech-language pathologists in the Burlington metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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