Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tucson, AZ: $83,040 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $83,040, which is $3,571 below the Arizona state average of $86,611. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Tucson spans from $55,986 at the 10th percentile to $119,040 at the 90th percentile — a $63,054 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,660, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $57,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,660

$-4,340 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$83,700

$-6,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$111,600

$-8,400 vs national

Percentile	Tucson	AZ State	National
10th Percentile	$55,986	$58,394	$60,200
25th Percentile	$67,890	$70,810	$73,000
Median (50th)	$83,040	$86,611	$89,290
75th Percentile	$100,440	$104,760	$108,000
90th Percentile	$119,040	$124,160	$128,000

Percentile

Tucson

10th Percentile

$55,986

25th Percentile

$67,890

Median (50th)

$83,040

75th Percentile

$100,440

90th Percentile

$119,040

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Tucson

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $83,040 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $55,986 (10th percentile) to $119,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Tucson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,040, a speech-language pathologist in Tucson earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Tucson's median speech-language pathologist salary of $83,040 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $86,611. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼

Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $83,040 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Tucson? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Tucson require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tucson, Arizona