Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Merced, CA
Yes, Merced, CA is a highly lucrative market for Speech-Language Pathologistss. With an average annual salary of $116,240, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $116,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $153,810.
- Outlook: The current demand for Speech-Language Pathologistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Merced, CA earns+14.3%above the national average.
$55.9
$2,235
$9,687
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Speech-Language Pathologists salaries in Merced, CA have shown healthy growth of 19.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Speech-Language Pathologistss in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $79,650, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $153,810.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $79,650 | $38.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $87,180 | $41.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $119,430 | $57.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $145,300 | $69.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $153,810 | $73.9 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$116,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$116,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $116,240 to $116,240.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.954
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.82x 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.
80 people work as Speech-Language Pathologists in Merced, CA.
Only 0.954 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Speech-Language Pathologists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $118,870↑ 2% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $114,900↓ 1% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $111,270↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $121,560↑ 5% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $135,190↑ 16% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Merced, CA is $116,240. This typically ranges from $79,650 for entry-level positions to $153,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 14.3% higher than the national median of $101,660.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Yes, Merced, CA is financially attractive for Speech-Language Pathologistss. The average salary of $116,240 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($118,870) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 0.954 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 Merced, CA