HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
in Bethesda, MD

Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Median salary in Bethesda: $140K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$140K
per year
Take-home: $90K

Salary range in Bethesda

Entry level (25th)$112,000
Median (50th)$140,000
Senior (75th)$173,000
Top earner (90th)$211,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Bethesda, Maryland. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

Help build this dataset. Add your own Speech-Language Pathologist salary so other workers in Bethesda have better numbers to work with.
Submit yours →

What the numbers say for Bethesda

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

65% premium vs national median

Speech-Language Pathologists in Bethesda earn approximately 65% higher than the US national median for this role — a $55,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Bethesda's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 37% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Bethesda ($2,800/mo) consumes approximately 37% of an after-tax median Speech-Language Pathologist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($173K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Bethesda

Median salary
$140K
annual
Take-home pay
$90K
after fed/state tax
COL index
165
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,800
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Bethesda Speech-Language Pathologist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $140K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Bethesda

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Speech-Language Pathologist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$117K$127K$138K$148K$158K201920212023202520272029
2026
$144K
projected
2027
$147K
projected
2028
$151K
projected
2029
$155K
projected
2030
$158K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$140,000+$0
2028 projected$140,000+$0
2029 projected$140,000+$0
2030 projected$140,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Bethesda, Maryland: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Bethesda, MD is $140,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Bethesda–MD metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Speech-Language Pathologist in Bethesda

Entry-level Speech-Language Pathologists in Bethesda with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $112,000 and $140,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $140,000 to $173,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $173,000 to $211,000 or more.

Cost of living in Bethesda for Speech-Language Pathologists

Bethesda has a cost of living index of 165 compared to the US national average of 100. Bethesda's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Maryland has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology; CCC-SLP certification. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Speech-Language Pathologist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Bethesda (current)$140K165
Baltimore$100K115
Frederick$98K115
Rockville$126K148