Georgia Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide - 2024

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: February 28th, 2024

Approximately $82,220 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022) is the typical annual pay for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Georgia, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a little less than the $89,460 median annual compensation for SLPs in the United States. However, depending on a number of variables, such as years of experience, amount of education, and region, SLP salaries in Georgia can vary significantly.

SLPs in Georgia tend to make the most money in the Atlanta metropolitan region, where the average pay for these specialists is about 10% more. This is caused in part by the Atlanta area’s higher cost of living and the increased demand for SLPs in this area. SLPs employed in rural sections of the state, in comparison, typically make less money, with the median pay in these locations hovering around 10% less.

In Georgia, an SLP’s compensation is also influenced by their level of education. Higher earnings are often available to speech-language pathology master’s degree holders than to bachelor’s degree holders. Although these specialists are relatively uncommon in Georgia, SLPs with a doctorate in speech-language pathology may be eligible for even greater wages.

Another significant element that may have an impact on an SLP’s pay in Georgia is experience. SLPs with more years of experience typically make more money than those with less experience, on average. This is because having years of experience in the sector gives you a higher level of competence and knowledge. However, it’s important to keep in mind that due to the increasing need for these specialists, SLPs who focus on a particular field, like pediatrics or geriatrics, may potentially be eligible for higher salaries.

Georgia Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in Georgia

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of Georgia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Albany, GA40$77,160
Athens-Clarke County, GA80$79,300
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA1,860$79,050
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC210$78,170
Brunswick, GA30$79,400
Columbus, GA-AL100$78,210
Dalton, GA30$67,210
Gainesville, GA70$75,300
Macon, GA50$81,070
Rome, GA40$78,380
Savannah, GA150$82,380
Valdosta, GA50$63,330
Warner Robins, GA50$75,180
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of Georgia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area70$74,210
Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area80$75,470
East Georgia nonmetropolitan area30$85,030
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area80$74,290
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

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

In Georgia, becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and assisting people in speaking and writing better offers a fulfilling job. However, depending on the city where one practices, the working environment and experience can be very different. Here is a peek at how life is for SLPs in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta, three Georgian cities.

The state’s capital and largest metropolis, Atlanta, provides SLPs with a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere. SLPs in Atlanta work with a wide spectrum of patients, from senior patients recuperating from strokes to children with speech and language problems, according to the city’s sizable and diverse population. The city also has a lot of hospitals and schools, which gives SLPs lots of employment options. Before accepting a job in Atlanta, it’s crucial to assess the benefits and drawbacks because the cost of living there might be high and navigating the traffic can be difficult.

SLPs can live at a slower pace in Savannah, on the other hand. Savannah is a well-liked vacation spot because of its beautiful beaches, quaint squares, and historic buildings. As a result, SLPs working at this location might get to interact with patients from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Savannah offers SLPs a more reasonable alternative to Atlanta due to its typically lower cost of living. However, compared to other cities like Atlanta or Augusta, Savannah’s employment options could be more constrained.

East-central Georgia’s Augusta provides a compromise between Savannah’s leisurely pace and Atlanta’s hectic pace. SLPs have many career prospects in Augusta thanks to the city’s numerous hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. For individuals who appreciate a range of extracurricular activities, the city is a terrific place to call home because it also offers a strong arts and culture scene. In comparison to other cities in the state, Augusta has a lower cost of living, making it a viable choice for SLPs who want to strike a balance between job and quality of life.

In conclusion, SLPs might find both advantages and obstacles in each of these Georgian cities. The patient population in Atlanta is sizable and diversified, but it also has a high cost of living and difficult transportation. Savannah has a slow pace of life, a diverse population, but little job prospects. The two are balanced in Augusta, which provides a range of employment options and a lower cost of living. It’s crucial to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each location before deciding which one best meets your needs and objectives if you’re thinking about a career as an SLP in Georgia.