Healthcare Louisiana (LA) Rank #32 of 50

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Louisiana

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Louisiana is $81,254 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $89,290.

Median Salary
$81,254
vs National
$-8,036
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #32 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist compensation. Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $81,254 per year, speech-language pathologists in Louisiana earn $8,036 less than the national median of $89,290.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $81,254 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: speech-language pathologists at the 10th percentile earn $54,782, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,480 — a $61,698 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $87,504.

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Louisiana and beyond.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $56,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,420
$-5,580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $54,782
25th Percentile $66,430
Median (50th) $81,254
75th Percentile $98,280
90th Percentile $116,480

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for speech-language pathologists in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Louisiana

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Louisiana? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Louisiana is $81,254 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $54,782 (10th percentile) to $116,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,254, a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for speech-language pathologists? ▼
Louisiana ranks #32 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level speech-language pathologists earn $56,420, while senior professionals earn $109,200.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for speech-language pathologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for speech-language pathologists is Hawaii at $158,936. Louisiana's median of $81,254 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($82,147) and Ohio ($82,147).
What is the entry-level speech-language pathologist salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level speech-language pathologist in Louisiana earns approximately $56,420 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,200.
What city in Louisiana pays speech-language pathologists the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for speech-language pathologists, with a median salary of $87,504. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.