Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$86,460
$41.57/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $121K
6K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Speech-Language Pathologist salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual income of $86,460. This figure falls slightly below the national average, positioning North Carolina's SLP compensation at approximately 5% lower than the country's overall median. Currently, around 5,600 Speech-Language Pathologists are employed within the state.
The earning potential for a Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina can vary significantly, with salaries ranging from $60,800 to $121,040 annually. Several factors influence this range, including years of experience, specific work setting (such as schools, hospitals, or private practice), and geographic location within North Carolina. Advanced certifications or specialized skills may also command higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,800 |
| 25th percentile | $71,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,460 |
| 75th percentile | $103,020 |
| 90th percentile | $121,040 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,530 |
| 2023 | $80,680 |
| 2024 | $87,420 |
| 2025 | $86,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,460 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,530 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $80,680 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $87,420 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $86,460 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,460 | $91,314 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $121,040 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($86,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +360.8% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +292.5% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +235.2% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +159.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +149.2% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +148.9% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +139.4% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +112.3% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +95.3% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +86.9% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +60.6% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +55.6% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $86,460 per year, which breaks down to about $42 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $60,800 and $121,040 annually.
What is the salary for SLPs in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $86,460 per year, which is 5.3% lower than the national average. This means the average SLP in North Carolina makes less than their counterparts across the country.
What is the salary range for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina?
- The salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina varies, with the lowest earners making around $60,800 annually and the highest earners bringing in up to $121,040 per year. The median salary sits at $86,460 annually.
How many Speech-Language Pathologists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 5,600 Speech-Language Pathologists currently employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant demand for these professionals within the state.