Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in High Point, NC: $115,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of speech-language pathologists working in High Point, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $115,521/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1127. Strip back High Point's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $123,420 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A potential for high earnings exists for seasoned professionals in High Point, North Carolina, where the 2026 median annual salary for experienced speech-language pathologists is projected at $80,713. Notably, those within the top 10% of earners can achieve an impressive annual salary of $115,521. This significant discrepancy between the median and top-tier salaries highlights the value of experience and specialized skills in the field. Professionals who aspire to reach the upper echelons must cultivate expertise in high-demand areas such as pediatric language delay, dysphagia, or augmentative communication. Furthermore, building a robust professional network and pursuing additional certifications can also be advantageous for those seeking top speech-language pathologist salaries in High Point.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in High Point
Experienced speech-language pathologists at the top of the pay scale in High Point earn between $97,370 and $115,521 per year (2026 est.). This $63,161 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The High Point median of $80,713 sits 20.69% below the US median.
Top SLP Salary Comparison
| Level | High Point | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,713 | $101,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,370 | $119,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $115,521 | $139,513 |
In High Point, experienced speech-language pathologists (P90) earn 43.13% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in High Point
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC speech-language pathologists with additional specialty certifications within the speech-language pathology field earn significantly above the $80,713 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by High Point employers.
Specialty Focus
Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the speech-language pathology field in High Point command premium compensation, often reaching the $97,370–$115,521 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the High Point 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 High Point 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 High Point
Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
5-10 yearsSpeech-Language Pathologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHigh Point ranks #26 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner speech-language pathologist salary (90th percentile: $115,521).
Top 10% speech-language pathologist compensation in High Point ($115,521) is 8.72% below the North Carolina average P90 ($126,560).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,407
2025 BLS Actual
$111,089
2026 Current Est.
$115,521
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,407 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,586 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,131 | Projected |
Top-earning speech-language pathologists (90th percentile) in High Point saw their compensation grow 10.6% from $100,407 in 2019 to $111,089 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 $120,131 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point 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 High Point
Compensation strategies at the senior level reveal interesting nuances across different employment settings in High Point, NC. For example, experienced speech-language pathologists working in acute care settings or skilled nursing facilities may receive higher pay relative to their counterparts in schools, highlighting the importance of specialty focus, such as dysphagia or voice therapy. Advanced roles, like clinic owner or district coordinator, can further enhance earning potential and job satisfaction, given the increasing demand for specialized services. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials such as the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and pursuing board certifications can serve as a catalyst for salary increases. Unique factors, such as bilingual SLP premiums or contracts that offer summer break flexibility, also play a vital role in defining overall compensation. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.99%, opportunities for career advancement and financial progression remain robust in this evolving landscape for senior speech-language pathologists.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced speech-language pathologists make in High Point in 2026?
What drives higher speech-language pathologist pay in High Point?
What certifications boost speech-language pathologist salary in High Point?
Can experienced speech-language pathologists make six figures in High Point?
How much does speech-language pathologist salary increase over time in High Point?
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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 $111,089 for speech-language pathologists in the High Point 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
Salary data for High Point 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