Medical Lab Scientist vs Speech-Language Pathologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average — the national median is $27,713/year (40%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Lab Scientist vs Speech-Language Pathologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Lab Scientist | Speech-Language Pathologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,069 | $141,321 | Medical $38,252 |
| New York, NY | $87,047 | $119,548 | Medical $32,501 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,380 | $139,695 | Medical $37,315 |
| Austin, TX | $79,439 | $112,282 | Medical $32,843 |
| Chicago, IL | $75,418 | $103,493 | Medical $28,075 |
| Boston, MA | $90,176 | $125,361 | Medical $35,185 |
| London, UK | £55,328 | £74,721 | Medical $19,393 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$91,433 | CA$126,294 | Medical $34,861 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Lab Scientist or Speech-Language Pathologist earn more?+
A Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Lab Scientist is $70,157/year, compared to $97,870/year for a Speech-Language Pathologist — a difference of $27,713 (40%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Lab Scientist or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Medical Lab Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Speech-Language Pathologist demand is growing at 19% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Lab Scientist to Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Medical Lab Scientist or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.