Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $101,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $101,587/year (≈ $48.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $94,588 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for speech-language pathologists in Ellensburg, Washington, reaches a median of $101,587, which closely aligns with the national median of $101,775, reflecting a minimal difference of just 0.18%. The local salary range spans from $68,094 at the 10th percentile to $130,219 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market potential for specialists in this field. These figures take into account estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Notably, the presence of a subspecialty in dysphagia within the medical settings contributes to higher compensation for SLPs, particularly in hospital inpatient rehabilitation contexts. As the local healthcare landscape continues to evolve, opportunities for SLPs focusing on medical assessments are expected to grow, further shaping the dynamics of the salary structure in Ellensburg.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,094 | $32.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,442 | $39.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,587 | $48.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,312 | $55.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,219 | $62.60 |
Median Salary Position
0.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,125 (2026 est.). At $101,587, the local median is 0.18% below the national median of $101,775.
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How Ellensburg Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $101,587/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $106,485 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -0.18% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $101,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.18% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $106,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,587 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,588 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,974
2025 BLS Actual
$97,689
2026 Current Est.
$101,587
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,974 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,984 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,640 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $78,974 (2019) to $97,689 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,640 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,666 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $68,094 – $81,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,442 – $101,587 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,587 – $115,312 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,312 – $130,219 |
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 Ellensburg
Considering the employment landscape, there are currently six speech-language pathologists working in Ellensburg, highlighting a unique local job market. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, which is above the national average, indicating that while salary rates are competitive, purchasing power may be somewhat constrained. Local employers, including school districts, medical facilities, and private practices, play significant roles in shaping pay scales. Hospital and skilled nursing facility SLPs, especially those focusing on dysphagia, typically earn more than their counterparts in educational settings. Variability in pay also arises from differences in employment contracts—those in private practice or telepractice may experience fluctuations in income based on patient volume. Aspiring SLPs in Ellensburg can enhance their earning potential by pursuing medical board certifications, seeking year-round positions, and exploring bilingual opportunities that may warrant competitive premiums in many local markets. Strategies like these could significantly impact their overall compensation in this regional setting.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
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 $97,689 for speech-language pathologistsin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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