Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $137,507 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$137,507
vs State Avg
+$7,144
vs National
+$48,217
Cost of Living
146%

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

Los Angeles offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $137,507, which is $7,144 above the California state average of $130,363. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $137,507 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,183. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Los Angeles spans from $92,708 at the 10th percentile to $197,120 at the 90th percentile — a $104,412 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,480, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $95,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,480
+$33,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,600
+$48,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
+$64,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $92,708
25th Percentile $112,420
Median (50th) $137,507
75th Percentile $166,320
90th Percentile $197,120

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$169,651
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$157,150
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$133,935
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$112,505
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Los Angeles

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Los Angeles, California is $137,507 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $92,708 (10th percentile) to $197,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,507, a speech-language pathologist in Los Angeles earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median speech-language pathologist salary of $137,507 is 5.5% above the California state average of $130,363. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $137,507 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Los Angeles 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.