Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Nashville, TN: $88,508 (2024)

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Nashville, TN is $88,508 per year ($42.55/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $58,601 for entry-level positions to $124,417 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Nashville, TN typically start at around $58,601 per year ($28.17/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 $88,508 within 3-5 years.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville, TN earn a median hourly wage of $42.55 per hour. Hourly rates range from $28.17/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $59.82/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $58,601 and $124,417.

The median speech-language pathologist salary of $88,508 in Nashville, TN is slightly below the national median of $89,290 (0.9% lower). The cost of living is also 1% below 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 Nashville, TN earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $88,508 is 0.9% lower than the national median of $89,290. The cost of living is also 1% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $89,674.

The top 10% of speech-language pathologists in Nashville, TN earn $124,417 or more per year ($59.82/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $109,275, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost speech-language pathologist salary in Nashville, TN 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 $88,508, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($109,275) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Nashville, TN has a specialized job market for speech-language pathologists, with approximately 147 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $88,508 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 1% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your speech-language pathologist salary to these Nashville, TN benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $58,601, 25th percentile: $72,024, 50th percentile (median): $88,508, 75th percentile: $109,275, 90th percentile (top earners): $124,417. If you earn more than $88,508, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $88,508 median base salary, speech-language pathologists in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN typically earn $109,275 (75th percentile) to $124,417 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $124,417. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $88,508.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville, TN can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($58,601) to median ($88,508) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($124,417) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $65,816 over a career.