Reno vs Sparks: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,851 | $100,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.00 | $48.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,701▲ | $59,831 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,922▲ | $81,768 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,029▲ | $121,444 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,234 | $143,395▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Sparks, NV offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reno.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $1,085 (1.09%). Sparks's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $72,533,Sparks spans $83,564. Sparks 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, Sparks ($102,682 effective) pays 3.88% more than Reno ($98,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,395)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,682)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Reno grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$72,590 (2019) → $96,020 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$95,209 (2024) → $97,063 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Reno or Sparks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reno and Sparks?
Should I relocate from Reno to Sparks as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Reno vs Sparks?
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