Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Durham, NC: $84,826 (2026)

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

Durham offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $84,826, which is $2,679 above the North Carolina state average of $82,147. Compared to the national median of $89,290, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $57,190 at the 10th percentile to $121,600 at the 90th percentile — a $64,410 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,900

$-3,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$114,000

$-6,000 vs national

Percentile	Durham	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$57,190	$55,384	$60,200
25th Percentile	$69,350	$67,160	$73,000
Median (50th)	$84,826	$82,147	$89,290
75th Percentile	$102,600	$99,360	$108,000
90th Percentile	$121,600	$117,760	$128,000

Percentile

Durham

10th Percentile

$57,190

25th Percentile

$69,350

Median (50th)

$84,826

75th Percentile

$102,600

90th Percentile

$121,600

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Durham

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Durham

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

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $84,826 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $57,190 (10th percentile) to $121,600 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $84,826, a speech-language pathologist in Durham earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Durham's median speech-language pathologist salary of $84,826 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $82,147. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

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

Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a speech-language pathologist salary of $84,826 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Durham 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 Durham, North Carolina