Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in San Diego, California
The median speech-language pathologist salary in San Diego, CA is $133,935 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.
Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)
San Diego offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $133,935, which is $3,572 above the California state average of $130,363. Compared to the national median of $89,290, San Diego pays above average for this role.
However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $133,935 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,320. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for speech-language pathologists in San Diego spans from $90,300 at the 10th percentile to $192,000 at the 90th percentile — a $101,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,000, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in San Diego by Experience
In San Diego, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $93,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA
| Percentile | San Diego |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $90,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,500 |
| Median (50th) | $133,935 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in San Diego
Education
Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in San Diego
Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in San Diego, CA: