Chesapeake vs Richmond: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,170▲ | $99,914 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.12▲ | $48.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,604 | $70,401▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,172 | $84,783▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,346▲ | $121,450 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,482▲ | $129,780 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $2,256 (2.26%). Chesapeake's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $90,878,Richmond spans $59,379. Chesapeake 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, Richmond ($102,101 effective) pays 3.13% more than Chesapeake ($99,002 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,170/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,482)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,101)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Chesapeake grew 7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$91,769 (2024) → $98,250 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$81,670 (2019) → $96,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Chesapeake or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Richmond as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Chesapeake vs Richmond?
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