California pays speech-language pathologists more than any other state — its $116,000 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $67,150 to $153,930 — a $86,780 spread, 20% wider than the national $72,370 range.
Speech-Language Pathologists are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.70 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.43× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $67,150 | $32.28 |
| 25th percentile | $95,830 | $46.07 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $116,000 | $55.77 |
| 75th percentile | $132,390 | $63.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $153,930 | $74.01 |
| Mean (average) | $114,050 | $54.83 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $116,000 | n/a |
| New York | $108,870 | -6% |
| Hawaii | $108,230 | -7% |
| Colorado | $108,070 | -7% |
| District of Columbia | $106,950 | -8% |
| New Mexico | $104,910 | -10% |
| Oregon | $104,230 | -10% |
| Washington | $102,450 | -12% |
| Massachusetts | $101,790 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | $116,220 | 14,720 |
| Facilities Managers | $115,700 | 18,620 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $115,400 | 65,170 |
| Web Developers | $117,380 | 10,820 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $114,520 | 11,900 |
| School Psychologists | $118,310 | 9,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Speech-Language Pathologists salary in California?
The mean speech-language pathologists salary in California is $114,050 per year. The median (middle) salary is $116,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
Entry-level speech-language pathologistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $67,150 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $95,830 per year.
What is the highest Speech-Language Pathologists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $153,930 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $132,390 per year.
How does the California Speech-Language Pathologists salary compare to the national average?
The median speech-language pathologists salary in California is $116,000, which is +22% above national average of $95,410.