Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in California
Based on 17K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$118,970
$57.20/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
+30.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $161K
17K employed in California
Speech-Language Pathologists in California earn a median salary of $118,970 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 30%. With approximately 16,930 professionals working in the state, California offers competitive compensation for this specialized healthcare field. Salaries in this role range from $79,750 to $160,900 annually, reflecting substantial variation across the state's diverse job market.
Several factors influence Speech-Language Pathologist salary in California, including years of experience, work setting, and geographic location within the state. Professionals in urban areas and those specializing in particular populations or medical conditions often command higher salaries. Additional credentials, continuing education, and employment type—whether in schools, hospitals, private practice, or clinics—also play significant roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,750 |
| 25th percentile | $98,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,970 |
| 75th percentile | $135,070 |
| 90th percentile | $160,900 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,290 |
| 2023 | $109,470 |
| 2024 | $116,000 |
| 2025 | $118,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,016 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,290 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $109,470 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $116,000 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $118,970 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,016 | $93,652 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $118,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $135,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,900 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($118,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +197.1% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +163.8% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +153.2% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +145.8% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +127.4% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +111.8% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +80.0% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +71.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +69.2% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +56.0% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +41.6% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +39.5% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in California?
- Speech-language pathologists in California earn a median salary of $118,970 per year, or approximately $57 per hour. This represents a 30.3% premium over the national average, making California one of the highest-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for speech-language pathologists in California?
- The salary range for speech-language pathologists in California spans from $79,750 at the lower end to $160,900 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Is California a good state for speech-language pathologist jobs?
- Yes, California offers competitive compensation for speech-language pathologists with a median salary of $118,970, which is significantly higher than the national average. The state also employs 16,930 speech-language pathologists, indicating substantial job opportunities in the field.
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in California?
- Entry-level speech-language pathologists in California typically earn around $79,750 per year, based on the lower end of the salary range. With experience and specialization, earnings can increase substantially to $160,900 or more.