Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tukwila, WA: $98,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in Tukwila, WA earns a median $98,432/year (≈ $47.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $91,650 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the projected median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist in 2026 is $98,432, which is slightly below the national median of $101,775. The local salary range spans from $69,075 at the 10th percentile to $126,220 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse opportunities available within this profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect the structural divide in employment settings. Speech-language pathologists often find themselves in a split market, serving either the educational sector or medical facilities, with those in schools typically on nine-month contracts versus their counterparts in healthcare, who may work year-round.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,075 | $33.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,942 | $37.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,432 | $47.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,758 | $53.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,220 | $60.68 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,145 (2026 est.). At $98,432, the local median is 3.28% below the national median of $101,775.
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How Tukwila Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $98,432/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $106,528 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -3.28% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $98,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $106,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,432 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,650 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,521
2025 BLS Actual
$94,655
2026 Current Est.
$98,432
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,521 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,359 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $76,521 (2019) to $94,655 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,838 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $69,075 – $78,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,942 – $98,432 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,432 – $111,758 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,758 – $126,220 |
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 Tukwila
With just four speech-language pathologists employed in Tukwila, the job market is relatively small yet impactful. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries may appear competitive, actual purchasing power can be constrained compared to national averages. School districts dominate local employment, often offering lower pay than medical settings but providing invaluable experience for new graduates and CFYs. In contrast, hospital facilities and specialized rehabilitation centers typically command higher wages due to the complexity of care required. Factors driving the salary range include the setting of employment—where medical roles generally surpass school-based positions—and additional incentives like bilingual certifications and telepractice contracts. To optimize earning potential in Tukwila, pursuing additional qualifications, seeking employment in medical facilities, or considering telepractice options may provide pathways to higher compensation.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
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Can speech-language pathologists make $100K in Tukwila?
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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 $94,655 for speech-language pathologistsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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