Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $93,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $93,196/year (≈ $44.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $97,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Speech-language pathologists in Copperas Cove, TX, can expect a median annual salary of $93,196 in 2026, a robust figure that reflects the vital role they play in managing communication disorders, especially in dysphagia and other medical specialties. The salary range stretches from $65,432 for entry-level positions to $125,735 for experienced professionals, providing a clear trajectory for those advancing in the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, with adjustments for local living costs, which can influence compensation significantly in different markets. Notably, the Copperas Cove area is characterized by a limited number of employed speech-language pathologists—only seven—which can create a competitive environment for attracting talent and providing specialized services.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,432 | $31.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,094 | $36.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,196 | $44.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,961 | $52.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,735 | $60.45 |
Median Salary Position
8.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,303 (2026 est.). At $93,196, the local median is 8.43% below the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $93,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $96,376 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -8.43% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $93,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.43% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $96,376.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $93,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,079 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,451
2025 BLS Actual
$89,620
2026 Current Est.
$93,196
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,696 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,396 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,914 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $72,451 (2019) to $89,620 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,914 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,463 (33.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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) | $65,432 – $75,094 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,094 – $93,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,196 – $108,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,961 – $125,735 |
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 Copperas Cove
The cost of living index in Copperas Cove is 96, indicating a more affordable environment than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of SLPs in the area. Due to the local employment structure, those working in medical settings like hospitals or skilled nursing facilities often enjoy higher salaries compared to their counterparts in school districts, private practice, or telepractice roles. Factors driving the pay spectrum include the specific work setting, with medical and specialized dysphagia roles usually commanding a premium. Furthermore, using strategies such as obtaining board certifications, securing bilingual capabilities, and targeting year-round contracts can substantially boost overall compensation. For professionals considering how much do speech-language pathologists make in Copperas Cove, understanding these nuances is crucial for maximizing their salary potential.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Copperas Cove, TX in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Copperas Cove?
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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 $89,620 for speech-language pathologistsin the Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove 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