Cleveland vs Akron: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,846▲ | $102,742 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.45▲ | $49.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,521▲ | $56,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,528 | $82,880▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,890▲ | $113,682 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,056▲ | $153,624 |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 410 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $104 (0.10%). Cleveland's median is +1.05% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $89,535,Akron spans $97,573. Akron 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, Akron ($110,037 effective) pays 0.49% more than Cleveland ($109,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,056)
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,037)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Cleveland grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.0% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$81,060 (2019) → $98,900 (2025)
Akron, OH
$69,070 (2019) → $98,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Cleveland or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Akron?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Akron as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Cleveland vs Akron?
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