Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 390+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$109,380
$52.59/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
+19.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $137K
390 employed in District of Columbia
Speech-Language Pathologists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $109,380 per year, which is approximately 20% above the national average. With roughly 390 professionals employed in this field throughout the region, speech-language pathologists can expect salaries ranging from $81,800 to $137,140 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Speech-Language Pathologist salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employment setting. Professionals working in specialized healthcare facilities or private practice often command higher rates than those in school systems or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the region's higher cost of living and demand for speech-language pathology services contribute to the elevated compensation compared to national averages.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,800 |
| 25th percentile | $96,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,380 |
| 75th percentile | $130,620 |
| 90th percentile | $137,140 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,190 |
| 2023 | $112,620 |
| 2024 | $106,950 |
| 2025 | $109,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,865 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,190 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $112,620 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $106,950 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $109,380 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,865 | $93,389 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $130,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $137,140 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($109,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +190.9% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +143.0% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +113.4% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +104.1% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +85.2% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +67.4% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +66.8% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +41.8% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +40.2% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +25.5% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +24.2% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +23.6% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Washington DC?
- Speech-language pathologists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $109,380 per year, or approximately $53 per hour. This is 19.8% higher than the national average, making DC one of the better-paying locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for SLPs in DC?
- The salary range for speech-language pathologists in District of Columbia spans from $81,800 to $137,140 per year. This range reflects differences in experience, credentials, and specific employment settings within the region.
Is the DC speech-language pathologist salary above the national average?
- Yes, the median salary for speech-language pathologists in District of Columbia is $109,380 annually, which is 19.8% above the national average. This makes DC significantly more competitive than most other regions for SLP compensation.
How many speech-language pathologists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 390 speech-language pathologists employed in District of Columbia, representing the local job market size in this profession.