Columbia vs Lexington Park: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbia, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,094▲ | $104,905 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.49▲ | $50.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,693▲ | $60,709 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,828 | $87,570▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,213▲ | $113,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,383▲ | $148,716 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington Park is $2,189 (2.09%). Columbia's median is +5.23% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $82,690,Lexington Park spans $88,007. Lexington Park 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, Lexington Park ($104,114 effective) pays 6.26% more than Columbia ($97,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,094/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,383)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,114)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Columbia grew -0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$103,394 (2024) → $102,985 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$99,500 (2024) → $100,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbia or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington Park as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Columbia vs Lexington Park?
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