Speech-language pathologists
SOC Code: 29-1127Also known as:
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP), Home Health SLP (Home Health Speech Language Pathologist), Language Pathologist, Oral Therapist, Pediatric SLP (Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist)
Median Annual Salary
$95,410
+15.0% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
187K
Current Jobs
What Speech-language pathologists Do
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
💰 Salary
$95,410
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+15.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
187,400
Projected Employment (2034)
215,500
Related Careers
Occupational therapists
$98,340 •
+13.8% growth
Audiologists
$92,120 •
+9.5% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Healthcare support workers, all other
$46,050 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
- Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
- Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Speech-language pathologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a speech-language pathologists:
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
7,724 degrees awarded •
147 colleges offer this program
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
7,213 degrees awarded •
184 colleges offer this program
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General
7,097 degrees awarded •
160 colleges offer this program
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other
228 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Speech-language pathologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become speech-language pathologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make?
The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is $95,410.
What education do speech-language pathologists need?
Most speech-language pathologists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.
Is becoming speech-language pathologists a good career choice?
Speech-language pathologists is projected to see +15.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 13,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for speech-language pathologists?
Top colleges for aspiring speech-language pathologists include
New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, Northwestern University, University of Georgia, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to speech-language pathologists?
Speech-language pathologists may also be known as: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP), Home Health SLP (Home Health Speech Language Pathologist), Language Pathologist, Oral Therapist, Pediatric SLP (Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist), Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP), Public School Speech Clinician, Public School Speech Therapist, School SLP (School Speech Language Pathologist), SNF RN (Skilled Nursing Facility Registered Nurse), Speech and Language Clinician, Speech and Language Specialist, Speech and Language Teacher, Speech and Language Therapist, Speech Clinician, Speech Correction Consultant, Speech Language Pathologist, Speech Pathologist, Speech Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.