Lexington vs Murray: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,960▲ | $79,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.73▲ | $38.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,186▲ | $57,603 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,429▲ | $66,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,349▲ | $91,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,417▲ | $104,111 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Lexington and Murray is $11,137 (13.95%). Lexington's median is -10.63% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $48,231,Murray spans $46,508. Lexington 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, Lexington ($97,923 effective) pays 9.55% more than Murray ($89,387 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,960/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,417)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,923)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Lexington grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Murray over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$68,710 (2019) → $87,470 (2025)
Murray, KY
$68,488 (2024) → $76,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Lexington or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Murray?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Murray as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Lexington vs Murray?
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