Lowell vs Worcester: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Lowell, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,719 | $104,125▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.38 | $50.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,964 | $74,925▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,471 | $86,249▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,833▲ | $121,512 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,654▲ | $137,766 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 620▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lowell.
The salary gap between Lowell and Worcester is $1,406 (1.37%). Worcester's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lowell spans $76,690,Worcester spans $62,841. Lowell 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, Worcester ($101,563 effective) pays 7.28% more than Lowell ($94,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lowell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,654)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,125/year)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,563)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Lowell grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$100,096 (2024) → $98,778 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$82,010 (2019) → $100,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Lowell or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lowell and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Lowell to Worcester as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Lowell vs Worcester?
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