Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,074 | $96,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.90 | $46.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,732 | $62,375▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,276 | $76,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,156 | $111,504▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,135 | $127,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,300▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wilkes-Barre, PA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $11,659 (13.70%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -4.95% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $69,403,Wilkes-Barre spans $65,519. Pittsburgh 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, Wilkes-Barre ($99,315 effective) pays 10.52% more than Pittsburgh ($89,863 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,894)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,315)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 8.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$75,210 (2019) → $81,810 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$82,431 (2024) → $93,021 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?
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