Abilene vs Austin: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Abilene, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,097 | $110,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.43 | $53.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,018 | $80,197▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,301 | $103,064▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,276 | $131,287▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,835 | $131,287▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 2,860▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Austin is $26,434 (31.43%). Austin's median is +8.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $64,817,Austin spans $51,090. Abilene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($112,711 effective) pays 21.11% more than Abilene ($93,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,287)
- ✓Larger job market (2,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,711)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Abilene grew 8.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.3% growth in Austin over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$74,330 (2019) → $80,870 (2025)
Austin, TX
$68,900 (2019) → $106,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Abilene or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Austin?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Austin as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Abilene vs Austin?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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