Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Burlington, NC: $135,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of speech-language pathologists working in Burlington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $135,125/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1127. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $144,990 in average-cost America. The 68% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, a seasoned speech-language pathologist can expect to earn a competitive salary, with those in the upper echelons of the field (P90) projected to see earnings of $135,125 by 2026. The disparity between the median salary of $80,540 and this top-tier figure underscores the significant potential for experienced professionals who reach these heights. Achieving maximum pay typically requires specialization in areas such as pediatric language delays or dysphagia, alongside years of practical experience and leadership roles within clinical settings. As the local market evolves, those who adapt to the growing demand for specialized services could plausibly secure lucrative contracts that reflect their advanced expertise.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced speech-language pathologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $104,000 and $135,125 per year (2026 est.). This $84,898 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $80,540 sits 20.86% below the US median.
Top SLP Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,540 | $101,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,000 | $119,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $135,125 | $139,513 |
In Burlington, experienced speech-language pathologists (P90) earn 67.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC speech-language pathologists with additional specialty certifications within the speech-language pathology field earn significantly above the $80,540 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the speech-language pathology field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $104,000–$135,125 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced speech-language pathologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured speech-language pathologists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Speech-Language Pathologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
5-10 yearsSpeech-Language Pathologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #1 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner speech-language pathologist salary (90th percentile: $135,125).
Top 10% speech-language pathologist compensation in Burlington ($135,125) is 6.77% above the North Carolina average P90 ($126,560).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,320
2025 BLS Actual
$129,940
2026 Current Est.
$135,125
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,516 | Projected |
Top-earning speech-language pathologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 39.2% from $93,320 in 2019 to $129,940 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $140,516 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Speech-Language Pathologist Earnings in Burlington
At the senior level, compensation in Burlington differs markedly depending on the type of employer. For instance, those operating within healthcare settings, such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, often command higher salaries compared to those in school districts, which are responsible for a substantial segment of SLP employment. Emerging fields like telepractice have seen an uptick in opportunities as well, enabling professionals to expand their reach and potentially increase their pay. Additionally, advanced credentials—such as obtaining the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or pursuing board certifications—further enhance earning potential. Leadership roles, such as becoming a lead SLP or clinic owner, are viable paths that not only elevate salary but also open doors for influence within the profession. For those ready to navigate these advancements, the prospect of a more lucrative and fulfilling career in speech-language pathology is within reach in the vibrant community of Burlington, NC.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced speech-language pathologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher speech-language pathologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost speech-language pathologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced speech-language pathologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does speech-language pathologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $129,940 for speech-language pathologists in the Burlington metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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