Middletown vs Wilmington: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Middletown, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middletown, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,633 | $105,850▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.97 | $50.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,077 | $67,074▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,650 | $82,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,536 | $122,057▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,559 | $140,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Middletown and Wilmington is $10,217 (10.68%). Wilmington's median is +4.00% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $58,482,Wilmington spans $73,614. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($104,081 effective) pays 10.68% more than Middletown ($94,034 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,850/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,688)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,081)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Middletown grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Middletown, DE
$82,689 (2024) → $91,964 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$90,114 (2024) → $101,789 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Middletown or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Middletown to Wilmington as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Middletown vs Wilmington?
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