Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Washington
Based on 4K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$105,550
$50.75/hr
vs National Average
$91,314
+15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $133K
4K employed in Washington
The median Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Washington is $105,550 annually, placing it significantly above the national average by 16%. This robust earning potential reflects strong demand for these essential healthcare professionals within the state, where approximately 3,570 Speech-Language Pathologists are currently employed.
Several factors can influence a Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Washington, including years of experience, specific work setting such as hospitals or private practice, and geographic location within the state. Further variations can arise from specialized certifications or the populations served, impacting the overall earning range, which falls between $81,330 and $132,630 per year.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,330 |
| 25th percentile | $96,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,550 |
| 75th percentile | $124,010 |
| 90th percentile | $132,630 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,730 |
| 2023 | $100,580 |
| 2024 | $102,450 |
| 2025 | $105,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,744 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,730 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $100,580 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $102,450 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $105,550 | $91,314 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,744 | $94,077 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $124,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,630 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other States
Related Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Speech-Language Pathologist ($105,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Speech-Language Pathologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +521.8% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +373.7% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +354.2% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +260.8% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +225.1% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +222.1% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +188.9% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +177.5% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +160.0% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +120.7% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +60.8% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +60.6% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make in Washington?
- The median salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in Washington is $105,550 per year, which averages out to about $51 per hour. This is 15.6% higher than the national average salary.
What is the typical salary range for an SLP in Washington?
- In Washington, Speech-Language Pathologists can expect to earn within a range of $81,330 to $132,630 annually. The median salary falls comfortably within this spectrum at $105,550 per year.
How does the average SLP salary in Washington compare to the rest of the US?
- Speech-Language Pathologists in Washington earn 15.6% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $105,550 per year is significantly higher than what many SLPs make elsewhere in the country.
What is the total number of Speech-Language Pathologists employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,570 Speech-Language Pathologists currently employed in Washington state. This indicates a substantial job market for the profession.