Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $102,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $102,995/year (≈ $49.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $95,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average compensation for speech-language pathologists in Lake Stevens, Washington, is projected to be $102,995 annually. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $101,775 but also reflects the area's significant demand for specialized roles, particularly in dysphagia and medical SLP services. Positions in this subspecialty command higher salaries, leading to a pay spectrum that ranges from $71,944 at the lower end (P10) to $132,689 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account various local factors, including living costs and market dynamics, and highlight the auspicious economic landscape for professionals in this field.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,944 | $34.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,329 | $41.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,995 | $49.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,600 | $56.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,689 | $63.80 |
Median Salary Position
1.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,745 (2026 est.). At $102,995, the local median is 1.2% above the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be above the median
How Lake Stevens Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $102,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $106,510 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | +1.20% more |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $102,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% higher than the national median of $101,775 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $106,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,995 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,899 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,068
2025 BLS Actual
$99,043
2026 Current Est.
$102,995
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,068 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,148 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,104 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $80,068 (2019) to $99,043 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,036 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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) | $71,944 – $85,329 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,329 – $102,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,995 – $116,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,600 – $132,689 |
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 Lake Stevens
Currently, there are nine employed speech-language pathologists in Lake Stevens, indicating a stable, albeit small, job market. The local cost of living index stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average of 100, suggesting that while salaries may appear attractive, they must be weighed against the increased expenses in the area. Among the potential employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed by skilled nursing and outpatient pediatric clinics. The salary variance can be attributed to factors such as job setting—where medical roles often yield more than school-based positions—and the specific certifications many clinicians hold. Positions that support telepractice, which has quadrupled in utilization since 2020, may also offer flexible yet competitive pay structures. For SLPs aiming to maximize their earnings in Lake Stevens, pursuing specialization and considering diverse settings can significantly enhance financial outcomes.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 $99,043 for speech-language pathologistsin the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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