Average Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arizona
Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona earn an average of $82,287 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.8% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$82,287
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.56
per hour
vs National
-7.8%
$89,290 national
Salary Range
$53,022
to $119,038
About Speech-Language Pathologist Careers in Arizona
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients across the lifespan — from infants with feeding difficulties to stroke survivors relearning to speak to professionals managing voice disorders. With a median salary around $84,140 and projected growth of 19% through 2032, SLP is one of the most stable and personally rewarding healthcare professions. The scope of practice spans articulation, fluency (stuttering), language development, voice, cognitive-communication, and dysphagia (swallowing), making SLPs essential members of healthcare and educational teams.
In Arizona, speech-language pathologists earn an average of $82,287 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $53,022 for entry-level roles to $119,038 for the most experienced professionals — +7.8% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by work setting — private practice and home health often pay more than school districts; acute care hospitals pay a premium for dysphagia expertise, geographic location — california, new york, and new jersey lead slp salaries; rural areas often pay lower base but offer loan repayment incentives, and the specific metro area within Arizona.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$82,287
Cost of Living Index
102
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$80,674
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Arizona's cost of living (above average), a Speech-Language Pathologist's salary of $82,287 has the purchasing power of $80,674 in an average-cost area.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by City in Arizona
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $86,660 | $41.66/hr | $54,404 | $127,987 | 140 |
| Tucson, AZ | $77,914 | $37.46/hr | $51,639 | $110,088 | 130 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Arizona vs National Average
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Comparison
Employment in Arizona
There are approximately 270 Speech-Language Pathologists employed across 2 metro areas in Arizona.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 2.5% flat rate
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Range in Arizona
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$53,022
Starting salary for new Speech-Language Pathologists
Median (50th Percentile)
$82,287
Mid-career Speech-Language Pathologist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$119,038
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Arizona
Nurse Practitioner
$117,504
avg in AZ
+$35,217 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Registered Nurse
$87,139
avg in AZ
+$4,852 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Dental Hygienist
$85,513
avg in AZ
+$3,226 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$56,243
avg in AZ
-$26,044 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Nursing Assistant
$35,669
avg in AZ
-$46,618 vs Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Arizona with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Speech-Language Pathologist Data
More Arizona Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Arizona?
The average Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Arizona is $82,287 per year ($39.56/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.8% below the national average of $89,290.
What is the highest paying city for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona?
Phoenix, AZ is the highest paying city for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona, with a median salary of $86,660 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Tucson, AZ at $77,914.
What is the salary range for Speech-Language Pathologists in Arizona?
Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in Arizona range from $53,022 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $119,038 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $82,287 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Arizona. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.