Brighton vs Denver: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Brighton, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,392 | $116,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.59 | $56.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,277 | $76,849▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,711 | $97,855▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,445 | $147,635▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,486 | $165,053▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,480▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Denver is $7,170 (6.55%). Denver's median is +14.53% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $74,209,Denver spans $88,204. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($110,191 effective) pays 5.77% more than Brighton ($104,183 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,053)
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,191)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Brighton grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Denver over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$88,076 (2024) → $105,195 (2025)
Denver, CO
$92,970 (2019) → $112,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Brighton or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Denver?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Denver as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Brighton vs Denver?
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