Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 3K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$69,610
$33.47/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-23.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $108K
3K employed in Louisiana
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Louisiana averages $69,610 annually, with approximately 3,000 professionals working in the state. This figure falls roughly 24% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and varying demand for speech pathology services across Louisiana's healthcare and education sectors.
Several factors influence earning potential for speech-language pathologists in Louisiana, including work setting, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Those employed in hospitals or private practice typically earn more than school-based positions, while advanced certifications and specialized expertise can command higher compensation. Urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge generally offer better salaries than rural regions.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,480 |
| 25th percentile | $60,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $69,610 |
| 75th percentile | $90,660 |
| 90th percentile | $107,650 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,010 |
| 2023 | $64,190 |
| 2024 | $65,770 |
| 2025 | $69,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,674 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,010 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $64,190 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $65,770 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $69,610 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,674 | $96,645 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $69,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $90,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $107,650 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($69,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +622.2% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +489.7% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +481.2% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +395.7% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +337.9% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +266.8% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +219.1% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +202.2% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +183.7% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +145.3% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +90.2% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +85.1% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in Louisiana?
- Speech-language pathologists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $69,610 per year, or approximately $33 per hour. This is about 23.8% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for SLPs working in Louisiana?
- Speech-language pathologist salaries in Louisiana range from $53,480 at the lower end to $107,650 at the higher end, depending on experience, credentials, and employer type.
How many speech-language pathologists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 3,000 speech-language pathologists currently employed in Louisiana, representing the overall demand for this profession in the state.
Is the Louisiana SLP salary lower than the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana's median speech-language pathologist salary of $69,610 is 23.8% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.