Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Columbia, MD is $108,934 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$108,934
vs State Avg
+$7,143
vs National
+$19,644
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $108,934, which is $7,143 above the Maryland state average of $101,791. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,934 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $92,317. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Columbia spans from $73,444 at the 10th percentile to $156,160 at the 90th percentile — a $82,716 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,640, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,400. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $75,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,640
+$13,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
+$19,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $73,444
25th Percentile $89,060
Median (50th) $108,934
75th Percentile $131,760
90th Percentile $156,160

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$112,505
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$106,255
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$100,005
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$97,326
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $108,934 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $73,444 (10th percentile) to $156,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,934, a speech-language pathologist in Columbia earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median speech-language pathologist salary of $108,934 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $101,791. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $108,934 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Columbia 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.