Cedar Rapids vs Muscatine: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,644▲ | $79,129 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.78▲ | $38.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,524▲ | $56,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,254▲ | $66,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,671 | $90,845▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,182▲ | $102,800 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine is $1,515 (1.91%). Cedar Rapids's median is -20.76% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $41,658,Muscatine spans $45,978. Muscatine 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, Cedar Rapids ($90,649 effective) pays 3.56% more than Muscatine ($87,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,644/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,182)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,649)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$67,630 (2019) → $77,550 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$67,543 (2024) → $76,093 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Cedar Rapids or Muscatine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Muscatine as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Muscatine?
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