Speech-Language Pathologist vs Health Informatics Specialist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average — the national median is $18,710/year (19%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Health Informatics Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Health Informatics Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $167,045 | Speech-Language $25,724 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $137,525 | Speech-Language $17,977 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $166,153 | Speech-Language $26,458 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $130,205 | Speech-Language $17,923 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $123,750 | Speech-Language $20,257 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $155,128 | Speech-Language $29,767 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £92,602 | Speech-Language $17,881 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$156,673 | Speech-Language $30,379 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Health Informatics Specialist earn more?+
A Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Health Informatics Specialist — a difference of $18,710 (19%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Health Informatics Specialist demand is growing at 22% YoY. Health Informatics Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist to Health Informatics Specialist?+
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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.