Los Angeles vs Redwood City: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Redwood City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Redwood City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,119 | $120,699▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.87 | $58.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,662▲ | $80,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,224▲ | $94,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,681 | $142,076▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,831▲ | $165,405 |
| Total Employed | 4,800▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Redwood City are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Redwood City is $6,580 (5.77%). Redwood City's median is +18.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $84,169,Redwood City spans $84,998. Redwood City 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, Redwood City ($106,719 effective) pays 6.20% more than Los Angeles ($100,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,831)
- ✓Larger job market (4,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Redwood City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,699/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,719)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Redwood City over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$90,280 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
Redwood City, CA
$117,268 (2024) → $116,068 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Redwood City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Los Angeles or Redwood City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Redwood City?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Redwood City as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Los Angeles vs Redwood City?
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