California Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide - 2024

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: February 28th, 2024

Speech – language pathologists, usually referred to as speech therapist, are essential in aiding people with speech, language, and communication impairments. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Speech-language pathologists are in high demand and well-paid for their services in California.

California speech-language pathologists make an average yearly pay of $108,960 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022). This is more than the $89,460 national average salary for speech-language pathologists. Additionally, Californian speech-language pathologists can anticipate making more money than their counterparts in other states.

The location, degree of education, and experience of the speech-language pathologist will all affect their pay in California. For instance, speech-language pathologists tend to make more money working in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco than they do in rural areas. Additionally, speech-language pathologists tend to make more money than individuals with less education and experience if they have advanced degrees and more years of expertise.

California is among the states with the best employment prospects for speech-language pathologists. In California, there is a strong demand for speech-language pathologists, particularly in urban regions where the population is expanding and the demand for speech-language services is rising. Additionally, California has a sizable number of rehabilitation facilities and schools, which gives speech-language pathologists plenty of opportunity to work in these environments.

Overall, speech-language pathologists can anticipate a good wage and a wide range of employment options in California. Speech-language pathologists in California can anticipate having a beneficial influence on the lives of people with speech, language, and communication difficulties whether they work in a school, hospital, rehabilitation facility, or private practice. Speech-language pathologists in California are well-positioned for a successful and fulfilling career due to the rising need for speech-language services.

California Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in California

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of California

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Bakersfield, CA310$96,660
Chico, CA80$91,020
El Centro, CA30$94,170
Fresno, CA380$100,330
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA5,140$100,530
Madera, CA40$95,980
Merced, CA70$94,110
Modesto, CA300$106,130
Napa, CA50$100,370
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA340$97,070
Redding, CA60$96,780
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA1,580$97,680
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA800$103,740
Salinas, CA140$107,160
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA1,180$101,150
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA1,590$118,260
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA640$111,120
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA90$97,150
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA110$106,710
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA150$104,550
Santa Rosa, CA120$91,890
Stockton-Lodi, CA280$96,720
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA90$102,940
Visalia-Porterville, CA150$91,240
Yuba City, CA60$100,880
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of California

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area50$99,150
North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area90$102,980
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

What is it like to work as an SLP in California?

In California, working as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) offers a distinctive and satisfying experience, with various opportunities and challenges in various places. Here is a glance at what life is like for SLPs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, three of the state of California’s largest cities.

SLPs in Los Angeles benefit from working in a big, diversified city with a wide variety of populations and venues to assist. SLPs in Los Angeles have a wide range of employment options thanks to the city’s sizable school district and several private clinics. However, the city can be challenging to navigate due to its size and traffic, and living expenses are considerable.

Speaking of San Francisco’s inventive and forward-thinking culture, it also permeates the field of speech and language therapy. SLPs in San Francisco have access to state-of-the-art tools and resources and frequently deal with intelligent, interested clients. San Francisco’s tiny size may limit career options, and the expense of living there is much higher than in Los Angeles.

San Diego is a coastal city recognized for its lovely weather and outdoor recreation opportunities. It has a laid-back and carefree atmosphere. In San Diego, SLPs can work in a variety of settings, including schools and rehabilitation facilities, and they can maintain a healthy work-life balance. The city’s tiny size and constrained public transit options, however, can make getting around more difficult.

In conclusion, the ideal fit for an SLP will rely on personal tastes and priorities. Each of these cities has particular advantages and disadvantages for SLPs. SLPs in California may count on having a positive impact on the lives of people with speech, language, and communication problems whether they work in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego.