Baton Rouge vs New Iberia: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and New Iberia, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | New Iberia, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,614▲ | $67,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.51▲ | $32.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,915▲ | $45,036 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,893▲ | $54,096 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,320▲ | $78,563 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,200▲ | $88,205 |
| Total Employed | 610▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Iberia.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and New Iberia is $292 (0.43%). Baton Rouge's median is -33.57% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $53,285,New Iberia spans $43,169. Baton Rouge 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, New Iberia ($74,554 effective) pays 0.10% more than Baton Rouge ($74,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,200)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Iberia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,554)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Baton Rouge grew -25.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in New Iberia over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$87,770 (2019) → $65,020 (2025)
New Iberia, LA
$70,144 (2024) → $64,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
New Iberia, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Baton Rouge or New Iberia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and New Iberia?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to New Iberia as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Baton Rouge vs New Iberia?
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