Nurse Practitioner 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.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $34,430/year (35%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Nurse Practitioner vs Speech-Language Pathologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Nurse Practitioner | Speech-Language Pathologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,882 | $141,321 | Nurse +$46,561 |
| New York, NY | $163,340 | $119,548 | Nurse +$43,792 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,574 | $139,695 | Nurse +$52,879 |
| Austin, TX | $143,940 | $112,282 | Nurse +$31,658 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,454 | $103,493 | Nurse +$35,961 |
| Boston, MA | $174,490 | $125,361 | Nurse +$49,129 |
| London, UK | £104,229 | £74,721 | Nurse +$29,508 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$171,863 | CA$126,294 | Nurse +$45,569 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nurse Practitioner or Speech-Language Pathologist earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300/year, compared to $97,870/year for a Speech-Language Pathologist — a difference of $34,430 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Nurse Practitioner or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Nurse Practitioner roles are growing at 40% YoY while Speech-Language Pathologist demand is growing at 19% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Nurse Practitioner 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 — Nurse Practitioner or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.