Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Speech-Language Pathologists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $89,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $101,660, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the overall economic landscape of the Research Triangle region, play a significant role in compensation levels for this specialized healthcare profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,110.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Speech-Language Pathologists and a Location Quotient of 0.87, the job market in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable demand for skilled SLPs within the region's healthcare and educational institutions, supporting a consistent employment environment.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-11.8%below the national average.
$43.1
$1,724
$7,471
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Speech-Language Pathologist salary growth in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for rehabilitative services and inflation likely contribute to modest salary increases, ensuring that SLP earnings keep pace with the evolving economic conditions.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated practice in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $62,820 | $30.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $67,238 | $32.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $81,640 | $39.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $112,063 | $53.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $121,110 | $58.2 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $89,650 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an SLP's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
1.008
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.87x the national average concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy, though not oversaturated, job market where opportunities are available, but the competition might be less intense than in areas with a higher concentration of SLPs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $89,280↓ 0% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $80,080↓ 11% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $86,820↓ 3% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $88,720↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $86,780↓ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $89,650. This typically ranges from $62,820 for entry-level positions to $121,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 11.8% lower than the national median of $101,660.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Speech-Language Pathologists?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the average salary of $89,650 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $101,660. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($89,280) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of Speech-Language Pathologists in Durham-Chapel Hill compare nationally?
Durham-Chapel Hill has a local workforce of 350 Speech-Language Pathologists, with 1.008 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is very close to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for SLPs in Durham-Chapel Hill?
An LQ of 0.87 indicates that Speech-Language Pathologists are slightly less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
Does experience significantly impact Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in this area?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level SLPs earn less, while senior professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience command higher salaries, reflecting career advancement.
How does the cost of living affect the value of an SLP's salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $89,650 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for SLPs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.008 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Speech-Language Pathologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC