Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Denver, CO: $98,814 (2024)

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Denver, CO is $98,814 per year ($47.51/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $66,108 for entry-level positions to $145,947 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Denver, CO typically start at around $66,108 per year ($31.78/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $98,814 within 3-5 years.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Denver, CO earn a median hourly wage of $47.51 per hour. Hourly rates range from $31.78/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $70.17/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $66,108 and $145,947.

The median speech-language pathologist salary of $98,814 in Denver, CO is well above the national median of $89,290 (10.7% higher). The cost of living is 18% above average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of speech-language pathologists in the area earn more and half earn less.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Denver, CO earn well above the national average. The local median salary of $98,814 is 10.7% higher than the national median of $89,290. The cost of living is 18% above average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $83,458.

The top 10% of speech-language pathologists in Denver, CO earn $145,947 or more per year ($70.17/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $115,113, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost speech-language pathologist salary in Denver, CO include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $98,814, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($115,113) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Denver, CO has a specialized job market for speech-language pathologists, with approximately 146 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $98,814 is well above the national average. The cost of living is 18% above average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your speech-language pathologist salary to these Denver, CO benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $66,108, 25th percentile: $81,781, 50th percentile (median): $98,814, 75th percentile: $115,113, 90th percentile (top earners): $145,947. If you earn more than $98,814, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $98,814 median base salary, speech-language pathologists in Denver, CO typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced speech-language pathologists with 5-10 years in Denver, CO typically earn $115,113 (75th percentile) to $145,947 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $145,947. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $98,814.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Denver, CO can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($66,108) to median ($98,814) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($145,947) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $79,839 over a career.