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Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$118,970
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.6% vs 2024
$118,600
Mean Salary
$118,970
Median Salary
$57.20
Hourly Rate
16,930 people work as Speech-Language Pathologists in California

Speech-Language Pathologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Speech-Language Pathologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $79,750$79,75025th25% earn less than $98,920$98,920MedianHalf earn more than $118,970$118,97075th75% earn less than $135,070$135,07090thTop 10% earn more than $160,900$160,900

Speech-Language Pathologists in California earn a median salary of $118,970 per year ($9,914/month). This is 30.3% above the national average of $91,314. California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Speech-Language Pathologists pay. Approximately 16,930 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Speech-Language Pathologists

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Social Perceptiveness
4.12
Writing
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.89
Education and Training
4.17
Customer and Personal Service
4.02
Psychology
4.02
Therapy and Counseling
3.95
Typical Education: Master's Degree (88.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Speech-Language Pathologists in California

Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in California range from $79,750 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $160,900 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $98,920 and $135,070.

Median $118,970
P10: $79,750 P25: $98,920 P75: $135,070 P90: $160,900
10th
$79,750
25th
$98,920
Median
$118,970
75th
$135,070
90th
$160,900
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $79,750 $38.34 $6,645
25th Percentile $98,920 $47.56 $8,243
Median (50th) $118,970 $57.20 $9,914
75th Percentile $135,070 $64.94 $11,255
90th Percentile (Experienced) $160,900 $77.36 $13,408

Note: The mean (average) salary of $118,600 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 51 states
$91,314
National avg. for Speech-Language Pathologists
+30.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Speech-Language Pathologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Speech-Language Pathologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Speech-Language Pathologists Data in California

Speech-Language Pathologists Salary by State

Compare Speech-Language Pathologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in California is $118,970 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $118,600.
What is the salary range for a Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in California range from $79,750 at the 10th percentile to $160,900 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $98,920 and $135,070.
What is the starting salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
Entry-level Speech-Language Pathologists positions in California typically start around $79,750 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $98,920 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,930 people are employed as Speech-Language Pathologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Speech-Language Pathologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Speech-Language Pathologists in California is approximately $57.20 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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