Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Speech-Language Pathologists in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $84,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $101,660, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply, may be influencing compensation levels. While the specific reasons for this regional variance require deeper analysis, it's clear that the economic landscape of Middle Tennessee plays a role in shaping SLP earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Speech-Language Pathologists in the Nashville metropolitan area appears moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicating a slightly lower presence of SLPs compared to the national average. The total local workforce of 1,010 professionals suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, pool of practitioners. With 0.925 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, but the concentration suggests there may be opportunities for growth and specialization within this field in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-16.8%below the national average.
$40.7
$1,628
$7,053
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists across the United States have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing awareness of speech and language disorders and an aging population requiring therapeutic services. This national trend likely extends to the Nashville area, where practitioners may have experienced incremental salary increases, reflecting both inflation and evolving market demands.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Salary progression for Speech-Language Pathologists is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level SLPs often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills (e.g., pediatric feeding, adult neurogenic disorders) can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior practitioners earning substantially more than their early-career counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $53,180 | $25.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $63,473 | $30.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $83,970 | $40.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $105,788 | $50.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $110,410 | $53.1 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,630 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of an SLP's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for professionals considering a move. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers expenses at a similar rate.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
0.925
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.80x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the Nashville metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals. While not a high-concentration area, the presence of 1,010 SLPs indicates a solid professional community, and the demand, as shown by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains steady.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $83,870↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $80,220↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $78,220↓ 8% | 29 mi |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $81,480↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $85,850↑ 1% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $84,630. This typically ranges from $53,180 for entry-level positions to $110,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 16.8% lower than the national median of $101,660.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Speech-Language Pathologists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $84,630 is below the national average of $101,660, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($83,870) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Nashville SLP salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville is $84,630, which is lower than the national average of $101,660.
What is the cost of living in Nashville for SLPs?
The cost of living index in Nashville is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is on par with the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville?
The data indicates 0.925 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a steady demand for SLPs in the Nashville area.
How concentrated is the SLP job market in Nashville?
The Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that the concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists in Nashville is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 0.925 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN