Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Charlotte, NC: $87,504 (2026)

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

Charlotte offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $87,504, which is $5,357 above the North Carolina state average of $82,147. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Charlotte spans from $58,996 at the 10th percentile to $125,440 at the 90th percentile — a $66,444 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,760, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $60,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,760

$-1,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$88,200

$-1,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$117,600

$-2,400 vs national

Percentile	Charlotte	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$58,996	$55,384	$60,200
25th Percentile	$71,540	$67,160	$73,000
Median (50th)	$87,504	$82,147	$89,290
75th Percentile	$105,840	$99,360	$108,000
90th Percentile	$125,440	$117,760	$128,000

Percentile

Charlotte

10th Percentile

$58,996

25th Percentile

$71,540

Median (50th)

$87,504

75th Percentile

$105,840

90th Percentile

$125,440

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Charlotte

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $87,504 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $58,996 (10th percentile) to $125,440 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $87,504, a speech-language pathologist in Charlotte earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Charlotte's median speech-language pathologist salary of $87,504 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $82,147. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼

Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $87,504 in Charlotte 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 Charlotte? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Charlotte 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.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina