Cape Girardeau vs Springfield: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,806▲ | $96,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.95▲ | $46.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,982▲ | $62,581 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,347▲ | $79,282 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,177 | $110,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,883 | $127,253▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Cape Girardeau and Springfield are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Springfield is $5,657 (5.88%). Cape Girardeau's median is +0.03% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $51,901,Springfield spans $64,672. Springfield 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, Cape Girardeau ($118,272 effective) pays 8.97% more than Springfield ($108,539 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,806/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,272)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,253)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 74.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$56,190 (2020) → $97,900 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$72,520 (2019) → $92,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Cape Girardeau or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Springfield as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Cape Girardeau vs Springfield?
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