Gaithersburg vs Hagerstown: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,052▲ | $85,386 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.87▲ | $41.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,075▲ | $63,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,450▲ | $79,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,716▲ | $104,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,021▲ | $129,728 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Hagerstown is $26,666 (31.23%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $77,946,Hagerstown spans $66,408. Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg ($102,518 effective) pays 13.07% more than Hagerstown ($90,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,021)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,518)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Gaithersburg grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$101,291 (2024) → $107,753 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$77,420 (2019) → $82,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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