📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$139,401
per year
Median
$138,975
per year
Hourly
$67.02
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$94,377
25th Percentile — Junior$114,615
50th Percentile — Median$138,975
75th Percentile — Senior$160,150
90th Percentile — Top Earners$175,266
💡 Top-earning Speech-Language Pathologistss in California make up to $175,266 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$113.5k
2021
$118.2k
2022
$123.2k
2023
$128.4k
2024
$133.8k
2025
$139.4k
2026
📈 Speech-Language Pathologists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Speech-Language Pathologists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $216,072 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $206,313 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $239,770 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $257,892 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $150,553 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $170,069 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $202,131 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $150,553 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $197,949 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $195,161 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $178,433 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $164,493 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $216,072 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $164,493 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $156,129 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $170,069 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $160,311 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $206,313 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $223,042 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Speech-Language Pathologists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Speech-Language Pathologistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $139,401 per year, California's Speech-Language Pathologists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $94,377–$114,615, while experienced Speech-Language Pathologistss can command $160,150–$175,266.

Looking ahead, the Speech-Language Pathologists profession in California is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Speech-Language Pathologists salary in California is $139,401 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $98,170.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Speech-Language Pathologistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Speech-Language Pathologists employment.
  • At $139,401/year, California Speech-Language Pathologists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $98,170/year.