Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Sacramento, CA is $112,505 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$112,505
vs State Avg
$-17,858
vs National
+$23,215
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $112,505, which is $17,858 below the California state average of $130,363. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $112,505 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,343. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Sacramento spans from $75,852 at the 10th percentile to $161,280 at the 90th percentile — a $85,428 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,120, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $78,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,120
+$16,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
+$23,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,200
+$31,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $75,852
25th Percentile $91,980
Median (50th) $112,505
75th Percentile $136,080
90th Percentile $161,280

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
Los Angeles, CA
$137,507
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$133,935
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Sacramento

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Sacramento, California is $112,505 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $75,852 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,505, a speech-language pathologist in Sacramento earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median speech-language pathologist salary of $112,505 is 13.7% below the California state average of $130,363. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $112,505 in Sacramento 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 Sacramento? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Sacramento 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.