Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Cortland, NY: $80,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Cortland, NY earns a median $80,121/year (≈ $38.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $69,129 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, New York, the projected median annual salary for speech-language pathologists in 2026 is $80,121, reflecting the demand for specialized skills, particularly in dysphagia and other medical SLP competencies. This role typically commands a salary range that spans from $55,713 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $102,173 at the upper end (90th percentile), indicating considerable variation based on experience, setting, and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projections, adjusted for regional price sensitivities, which highlight the distinct compensation environment within Cortland compared to national averages. As the local healthcare landscape evolves, those with expertise in medical settings may continue to see enhanced earning potential in this market.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,713 | $26.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,693 | $31.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,121 | $38.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,318 | $44.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,173 | $49.12 |
Median Salary Position
21.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,460 (2026 est.). At $80,121, the local median is 21.28% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be above the median
How Cortland Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Cortland median: $80,121/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $86,994 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -21.28% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Cortland, NY earn a median of $80,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.28% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $86,994.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,121 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,129 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,286
2025 BLS Actual
$77,047
2026 Current Est.
$80,121
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,286 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,238 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $62,286 (2019) to $77,047 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,032 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,713 – $65,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,693 – $80,121 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,121 – $92,318 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,318 – $102,173 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in Cortland
While Cortland features only four employed speech-language pathologists, this small workforce points to a concentrated job market that can influence salary dynamics. The cost-of-living index of 115.9 suggests that while salaries may appear lower compared to the national median of $101,775, local purchasing power is a critical factor to consider. School districts and medical facilities typically offer the highest pay, with inpatient rehabilitation centers generally leading in compensation due to the specialized nature of the work involved. To maximize earnings in Cortland, SLPs should consider negotiating for contracts that include stipends for board certification or explore year-round employment options to broaden their earning opportunities. Emphasis on additional certifications, such as bilingual SLP qualifications, can also provide a competitive edge in this market, particularly given the rising demand for diverse service delivery models, including telepractice.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,047 for speech-language pathologistsin the Cortland metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cortland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
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