Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Franklin, TN: $86,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Franklin, TN earns a median $86,074/year (≈ $41.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $93,763 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists in Franklin, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $86,074, which represents a notable gap compared to the national median of $101,775. Local pay structure exists along a range, with salaries varying from $57,417 at the 10th percentile to $117,996 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique dynamics of the local job market. Franklin's position between the school and medical sectors significantly influences compensation. With roughly 55% of SLPs in schools, this area sees a strong emphasis on school-year contracts compared to those in medical settings, which often offer year-round positions with higher remuneration.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,417 | $27.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,291 | $33.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,074 | $41.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,409 | $48.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,996 | $56.73 |
Median Salary Position
15.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, TN, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,579 (2026 est.). At $86,074, the local median is 15.43% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Franklin median: $86,074/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $86,246 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -15.43% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Franklin, TN earn a median of $86,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 0.20% below the Tennessee state average of $86,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $86,074 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,763 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,914
2025 BLS Actual
$82,771
2026 Current Est.
$86,074
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,064 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,508 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $66,914 (2019) to $82,771 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,508 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,594 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $57,417 – $69,291 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,291 – $86,074 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,074 – $101,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,409 – $117,996 |
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 Franklin
The speech-language pathologist pay in Franklin is influenced by several local market factors, with 18 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 91.8 indicates a more affordable living situation compared to the national average, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power for SLPs. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehab facilities tend to offer the highest wages, while positions within school districts generally provide lower compensation. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include differences in settings—medical roles often command higher pay than private practice or school positions—contract types, and specialty certifications. To maximize pay in Franklin, SLPs may consider pursuing board specialty certifications, taking advantage of bilingual skills, and exploring telepractice opportunities, which have expanded significantly. Adjusting your career focus toward high-demand settings can make a substantial difference in long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Franklin, TN in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Franklin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted speech-language pathologist salary in Franklin?
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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 $82,771 for speech-language pathologistsin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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