Fairfax vs Richmond: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fairfax, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,737 | $99,914▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.58 | $48.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,883 | $70,401▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,439 | $84,783▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,353 | $121,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,016 | $129,780▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Richmond is $7,177 (7.74%). Richmond's median is -1.83% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $57,133,Richmond spans $59,379. Richmond 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, Richmond ($102,101 effective) pays 13.62% more than Fairfax ($89,861 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,914/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,780)
- ✓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 Fairfax grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$84,732 (2024) → $89,179 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$81,670 (2019) → $96,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fairfax or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Richmond as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fairfax 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