Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Alabama
Based on 2K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$73,660
$35.41/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-19.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $109K
2K employed in Alabama
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Alabama averages $72,560 annually, according to current labor data. This represents the earnings for approximately 1,840 professionals working in the state. While this figure provides a solid foundation for career planning, it's important to understand how individual compensation can vary significantly based on several key factors influencing the profession.
Several variables affect Speech-Language Pathologist salaries throughout Alabama, including years of experience, specific work setting, and geographic location within the state. Professionals in urban areas typically earn more than their rural counterparts, while those in specialized medical settings may command higher rates than school-based positions. Additionally, advanced certifications and clientele density impact earning potential, though salaries in Alabama remain approximately 19% below the national average, with typical earnings ranging from $55,930 to $111,180.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,010 |
| 25th percentile | $63,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,660 |
| 75th percentile | $88,990 |
| 90th percentile | $109,300 |
Top-Paying Industries for Speech-Language Pathologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Speech-Language Pathologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Speech-Language Pathologists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $120,440 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $106,080 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,370 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $103,240 | 4K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,810 | 98K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Speech-Language Pathologist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,560 |
| 2023 | $71,000 |
| 2024 | $72,560 |
| 2025 | $73,660 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,777 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,560 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $71,000 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $72,560 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $73,660 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,777 | $92,698 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,660 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $88,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,300 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($73,660 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +605.2% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +432.7% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +322.5% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +185.6% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +184.4% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +158.3% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +119.7% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +97.0% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +82.8% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +82.7% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +43.6% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +43.4% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Alabama?
- Speech-language pathologists in Alabama earn a median salary of $72,560 per year, or $35 per hour. This is approximately 19.1% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for speech-language pathologists in Alabama?
- In Alabama, speech-language pathologists earn between $55,930 and $111,180 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer type. This wide range reflects differences in specialization and work setting.
Is the Alabama SLP salary below the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median SLP salary of $72,560 is 19.1% below the national average. However, this is still a substantial salary that reflects the value of the profession in the state.
How many speech-language pathologists work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 1,840 speech-language pathologists currently employed in Alabama, indicating a moderate job market for this profession in the state.