Healthcare Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Virginia

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Virginia is $94,647 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $89,290.

Median Salary
$94,647
vs National
+$5,357
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for speech-language pathologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $94,647 per year, speech-language pathologists in Virginia earn $5,357 more than the national median of $89,290.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning speech-language pathologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: speech-language pathologists at the 10th percentile earn $63,812, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $135,680 — a $71,868 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $119,649.

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 Virginia and beyond.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $65,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,200 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,720
+$3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,200
+$7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $63,812
25th Percentile $77,380
Median (50th) $94,647
75th Percentile $114,480
90th Percentile $135,680

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for speech-language pathologists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Virginia? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Virginia is $94,647 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $63,812 (10th percentile) to $135,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,647, a speech-language pathologist in Virginia earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for speech-language pathologists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for speech-language pathologist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level speech-language pathologists earn $65,720, while senior professionals earn $127,200.
How does Virginia compare to other states for speech-language pathologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for speech-language pathologists is Hawaii at $158,936. Virginia's median of $94,647 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($96,433) and Colorado ($95,540).
What is the entry-level speech-language pathologist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level speech-language pathologist in Virginia earns approximately $65,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $95,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,200.
What city in Virginia pays speech-language pathologists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for speech-language pathologists, with a median salary of $119,649. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.