Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 3K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$84,630
$40.69/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
-7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $117K
3K employed in Tennessee
Understanding the **Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Tennessee** reveals a median annual income of $84,630, placing it 7% below the national average. With 3,320 professionals employed in the state, the earning potential for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee falls within a broad range, typically from $58,550 to $116,790 per year.
Several factors can influence a Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, specific work setting (such as schools, hospitals, or private practices), geographic location within the state, and any specialized certifications or advanced degrees held by the individual can all contribute to variations in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,550 |
| 25th percentile | $64,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,630 |
| 75th percentile | $101,760 |
| 90th percentile | $116,790 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,730 |
| 2023 | $77,120 |
| 2024 | $82,990 |
| 2025 | $84,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,302 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,730 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $77,120 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $82,990 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $84,630 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,302 | $93,118 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $116,790 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($84,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +620.9% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +341.3% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +319.0% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +290.7% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +174.4% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +168.0% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +154.4% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +153.9% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +151.1% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +149.9% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +108.2% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +58.5% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee?
- The median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee is $84,630, which is equivalent to about $41 per hour. This median figure falls within the reported salary range of $58,550 to $116,790 for the state.
How does the salary for SLPs in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee earn 7.3% less than the national average. The median salary in Tennessee is $84,630, while the national median is higher.
What is the typical salary range for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, Speech-Language Pathologists can expect to earn between $58,550 and $116,790 annually. The median salary sits at $84,630 within this range.
How many Speech-Language Pathologists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 3,320 Speech-Language Pathologists employed in Tennessee. This number reflects the current demand and presence of SLPs within the state.