Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $86,660 (2024)

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Phoenix, AZ is $86,660 per year ($41.66/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $54,404 for entry-level positions to $127,987 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level speech-language pathologists in Phoenix, AZ typically start at around $54,404 per year ($26.16/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 $86,660 within 3-5 years.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Phoenix, AZ earn a median hourly wage of $41.66 per hour. Hourly rates range from $26.16/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $61.53/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $54,404 and $127,987.

The median speech-language pathologist salary of $86,660 in Phoenix, AZ is slightly below the national median of $89,290 (2.9% lower). 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 Phoenix, AZ earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $86,660 is 2.9% lower than the national median of $89,290. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $84,795.

The top 10% of speech-language pathologists in Phoenix, AZ earn $127,987 or more per year ($61.53/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $102,173, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost speech-language pathologist salary in Phoenix, AZ 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 $86,660, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($102,173) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Phoenix, AZ has a specialized job market for speech-language pathologists, with approximately 140 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $86,660 is slightly below the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your speech-language pathologist salary to these Phoenix, AZ benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $54,404, 25th percentile: $69,614, 50th percentile (median): $86,660, 75th percentile: $102,173, 90th percentile (top earners): $127,987. If you earn more than $86,660, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $86,660 median base salary, speech-language pathologists in Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ typically earn $102,173 (75th percentile) to $127,987 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $127,987. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $86,660.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Phoenix, AZ can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($54,404) to median ($86,660) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($127,987) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $73,583 over a career.