Chico vs San Francisco: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Chico, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,138 | $136,071▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.35 | $65.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,274▲ | $101,889 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,843 | $117,166▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,423 | $149,454▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,238 | $170,138▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 1,760▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Francisco is $20,933 (18.18%). San Francisco's median is +33.70% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $45,964,San Francisco spans $68,249. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($117,695 effective) pays 3.44% more than Chico ($113,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,138)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,695)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Chico grew 5.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.5% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Chico, CA
$105,240 (2019) → $110,720 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$97,270 (2019) → $130,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Chico or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Chico to San Francisco as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Chico vs San Francisco?
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