Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in California
Speech-Language Pathologists in California earn an average of $105,252 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$105,252
per year
Hourly Rate
$50.60
per hour
vs National
+17.9%
$89,290 national
Salary Range
$68,220
to $151,573
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$105,252
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$74,121
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Speech-Language Pathologist's salary of $105,252 has the purchasing power of $74,121 in an average-cost area.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $124,139 | $59.68/hr | $80,698 | $179,231 | 235 |
| San Jose, CA | $122,342 | $58.82/hr | $81,559 | $173,996 | 177 |
| San Diego, CA | $99,253 | $47.72/hr | $62,035 | $146,595 | 137 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $99,104 | $47.65/hr | $63,116 | $140,372 | 238 |
| Sacramento, CA | $93,828 | $45.11/hr | $60,049 | $131,045 | 172 |
| Riverside, CA | $92,844 | $44.64/hr | $61,861 | $138,198 | 134 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,093 Speech-Language Pathologists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$68,220
Starting salary for new Speech-Language Pathologists
Median (50th Percentile)
$105,252
Mid-career Speech-Language Pathologist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$151,573
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$42,464 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$4,337 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$316 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$34,631 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$61,102 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Speech-Language Pathologist Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in California?
The average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in California is $105,252 per year ($50.60/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.9% above the national average of $89,290.
What is the highest paying city for Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Speech-Language Pathologists in California, with a median salary of $124,139 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $92,844.
What is the salary range for Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in California range from $68,220 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $151,573 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $105,252 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.