Houston vs McAllen: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,406▲ | $93,445 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.20▲ | $44.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,429▲ | $65,171 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,994▲ | $76,162 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,589▲ | $107,838 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,990▲ | $138,525 |
| Total Employed | 3,780▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $10,961 (11.73%). Houston's median is +2.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $68,561,McAllen spans $73,354. McAllen 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, McAllen ($108,790 effective) pays 2.77% more than Houston ($105,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,406/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,990)
- ✓Larger job market (3,780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,790)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Houston grew 43.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$69,900 (2019) → $100,400 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$71,020 (2019) → $89,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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