Bellevue vs Lincoln: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Bellevue, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,176 | $95,525▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.35 | $45.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,364 | $80,821▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,528 | $86,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,013▲ | $102,909 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,366 | $130,445▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellevue.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Lincoln is $5,349 (5.93%). Lincoln's median is -6.14% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $67,002,Lincoln spans $49,624. Bellevue 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, Lincoln ($104,307 effective) pays 5.84% more than Bellevue ($98,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,525/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,445)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,307)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Bellevue grew 22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$70,882 (2024) → $86,716 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$75,700 (2019) → $91,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Bellevue or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Lincoln as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Bellevue vs Lincoln?
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