Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Lafayette, LA is $78,575 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$78,575
vs State Avg
$-2,679
vs National
$-10,715
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $78,575, which is $2,679 below the Louisiana state average of $81,254. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $78,575 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Lafayette spans from $52,976 at the 10th percentile to $112,640 at the 90th percentile — a $59,664 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $52,976
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $78,575
75th Percentile $95,040
90th Percentile $112,640

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$87,504
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$82,147
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$76,789
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$75,897
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $78,575 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $52,976 (10th percentile) to $112,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,575, a speech-language pathologist in Lafayette earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median speech-language pathologist salary of $78,575 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $81,254. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $78,575 in Lafayette 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 Lafayette? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Lafayette 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.