Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kirkland, WA: $106,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Kirkland, WA earns a median $106,130/year (≈ $51.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Kirkland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $98,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkland, Washington, those pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist can expect a promising median annual salary of $106,130 in 2026, slightly ahead of the national median of $101,775. The estimated salary range for professionals in this field extends from $65,376 at the 10th percentile to $142,656 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market with opportunities across various settings. Factors contributing to the higher earning potential include a subspecialization in dysphagia and medical settings, where practitioners command premiums compared to those working primarily in educational environments. This salary information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and it offers a snapshot of a robust job market in Kirkland for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,376 | $31.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,453 | $39.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,130 | $51.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,256 | $59.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,656 | $68.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkland
In Kirkland, WA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,280 (2026 est.). At $106,130, the local median is 4.28% above the national median of $101,775.
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At 40 hours/week in Kirkland: You'd be above the median
How Kirkland Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Kirkland median: $106,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $106,449 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | +4.28% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Kirkland, WA earn a median of $106,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.28% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $106,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,130 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,818 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,506
2025 BLS Actual
$102,058
2026 Current Est.
$106,130
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,443 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkland metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $82,506 (2019) to $102,058 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,859 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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) | $65,376 – $81,453 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,453 – $106,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,130 – $123,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,256 – $142,656 |
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 Kirkland
Kirkland’s market currently employs 13 speech-language pathologists, indicating a focused but competitive landscape. The cost-of-living index sits at 107.4, slightly above the national average, which affects take-home pay and purchasing power in the area. Within this market, positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest salaries, particularly for those with specialized training or board certifications. The disparity in pay can also be influenced by the setting; medical SLPs generally earn more than their counterparts in educational roles, reflecting the critical nature of their work. To maximize salary potential in Kirkland, candidates might consider seeking positions in telepractice, which has seen significant growth, or by pursuing bilingual certification, which can also enhance earning opportunities due to demand.
More salary data for Kirkland, 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 $102,058 for speech-language pathologistsin the Kirkland 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 Kirkland 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