Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in California
Based on 17K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$118,970
$57.197/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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Speech-Language Pathologist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,290 |
| 2023 | $109,470 |
| 2024 | $116,000 |
| 2025 | $118,970 |
| 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 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in California
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
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.