do speech pathologists make

How Much Do Speech Pathologists Make?

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• Speech pathology is a growing career field with higher-than-average earning potential.
• Compensation can depend on where you live and work and your level of experience.
• Your specific industry within speech pathology also determines how much money you make.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, play a crucial role in helping individuals with speech impediments communicate effectively and confidently. But where do SLPs work? And how much can you make as a speech pathologist?

In 2022, speech pathologists in the U.S. earned a median of $84,140 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries vary significantly depending on location, with some states and industries offering speech therapists much higher compensation.

If you're considering a career as a speech pathologist , read on for a breakdown of the salary and job outlook for this rewarding profession.

Featured Online Speech Therapy Programs

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How Much Do Speech-Language Pathologists Make?

The median annual speech pathologist salary was $84,140 as of May 2022, according to the BLS. This is nearly double the median annual wage for all other occupations ($46,310). The top 10% of earners in this field earned a median annual salary exceeding $125,000.

This variance in earnings is influenced by several factors including the state you're working in, the industry, and your level of experience.

Job Outlook for Speech Pathologists

The BLS projects the number of jobs for speech pathologists will increase by 19% from 2022-2032. This is significantly higher than the projected growth rate of 3% for other professions. Overall, the BLS projects more than 13,000 openings for SLPs each year, on average, over the next decade.

This is driven by two factors: the aging baby boomer population and wider recognition of speech conditions in young people.

How Much Do Speech Pathologists Make By State?

The annual wage for speech pathologists varies significantly from state to state. For example, according to the BLS, speech pathologists in Illinois earned an average annual wage of $81,230, while speech pathologists in California earned $108,960.

Meanwhile, the top-paying state for speech pathologists was Hawaii, where these professionals earned more than $110,000 a year on average.

Speech Pathologist Median Salary by State

Where can i make the most money as a speech pathologist.

Salaries for speech pathologists can vary significantly based on the state, city, and even the specific industry in which you work. For example, the highest-earning SLPs are those who work in nursing care facilities.

Keep reading to find out which states, industries, and areas pay SLPs the most money.

Highest-Paying States for Speech Pathologists

Certain states tend to offer higher salaries for speech pathologists. Some of these include Hawaii, California, and New York.

Highest-Paying Industries for Speech Pathologists

Certain industries also tend to offer higher salaries for speech pathologists than others, such as nursing and residential care facilities, as well as educational services, which include state, local, and private schools.

Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Speech Pathologists

If you're considering moving to a metropolitan area, there are several that offer high salaries for speech pathologists. The San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA area pays SLPs the most — the average annual wage is $124,160.

Highest-Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas for Speech Pathologists

There are also several nonmetropolitan areas where speech pathologists can earn higher-than-average salaries. SLPs in the North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California, earn some of the highest wages, with an average annual salary of $111,550.

How Can I Increase My Salary as a Speech Pathologist?

If you're a speech pathologist looking for ways to increase your salary, there are a few different paths you can take. Among these include acquiring certification, changing industries, and relocating.

1. Earn CCC-SLP Certification

Working as an SLP requires licensure, but not all states require certification. Securing a certification can substantially influence your earnings. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is the only widely accepted qualification for Speech Pathologists.

For example, if you work as an SLP in an educational setting, obtaining the CCC-SLP can directly lead to a salary increase. The CCC indicates an SLP has met standards exceeding employment requirements. Many states and school districts reward SLPs who attain this certification in the same way as teachers attaining the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification.

2. Change Industries

The industry you work in plays a pivotal role in your salary determination. Per the BLS, speech pathologists in the nursing and residential care sector earned a median salary of $101,320. Their counterparts in hospitals earned a median of $96,830.

However, speech pathologists working in educational services, including state, local, and private schools, earned a median wage on the lower end of the scale at $77,310. If you're one of these professionals working in educational services, consider switching to an industry that pays more.

3. Consider Relocating

Moving to a new area can significantly impact your salary as an SLP. For example, SLPs working in the western U.S. have an average income of $85,000, which is superior to other areas like the South ($79,000), Northeast ($78,000), and Midwest ($73,520), according to the BLS.

Moreover, certain states such as New Jersey, Washington, D.C., California, Connecticut, and Colorado are known for paying some of the highest wages for SLPs. As a result, moving to different states or changing work environments can result in salary differences for speech pathologists.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Much a Speech Pathologist Makes

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Where do speech pathologists make the most money?

Speech pathologists tend to earn the highest salaries in California and New York, particularly in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and New York City. While Hawaii is the top-paying state for SLPs, job prospects are limited as the state only employs about 150 of these professionals, per the BLS.

How much do speech pathology assistants make?

Speech-language pathology assistants, or SLPAs, tend to make significantly less than speech pathologists. According to ONET OnLine, which is maintained by the Department of Labor, speech-language pathology assistants earned an annual median wage of about $40,000 in 2022. The top 10% of SLP assistants earned $61,520.

What is the highest salary speech pathologists can make?

The top 10% of speech-language pathologists earned a median salary of over $126,680 in May 2022, according to the BLS. Many speech pathologists who earn this level of income are employed in skilled nursing homes and resident care facilities, where SLPs earn median salaries of over $100,000.

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Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States

Speech pathologist salary, how much does a speech pathologist make.

Last Updated on July 29, 2024

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Speech Language Pathologist

Pediatric Minds - Torrance, CA

Iron Point Physical Therapy Inc - Folsom, CA

Aspire Speech Therapy - Chico, CA

Evergreen Elementary School District - San Jose, CA

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View Speech Pathologist Salary by Experience Levels

An entry-level Speech Pathologist with under 1 year experience makes about $90,083. With less than 2 years of experience, a mid-level Speech Pathologist makes around $92,290. After 2-4 years, the Speech Pathologist pay rises to about $96,499. Those senior Speech Pathologist with 5-8 years of experience earn roughly $96,920, and those Speech Pathologist having 8 years or more experience are expected to earn about $97,621 on average.

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Highest Paying Cities for Speech Pathologist

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View Speech Pathologist Salary Trends

For those exploring the changing dynamics of Speech Pathologist salaries, Salary.com offers detailed insights through our Job Trending in CA Labor Market analysis. Our research highlights a notable shift in Speech Pathologist compensation over the past six years. For instance, the median salary has moved from $112,260 in 2023 to about $113,619 in 2024 (for a comprehensive analysis of Speech Pathologist salary trends, click here). It's crucial to consider several elements, including geographical location, experience level, industry demand, and economic development, as they play a significant role in influencing salary variations.

Average Annual Salary of Speech Pathologist Over Time

Speech pathologist salary by year.

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Job Openings of Speech Pathologist

Salary.com job board provides millions of Speech Pathologist information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Speech Pathologist job openings or enter a new job title here.

Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center

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Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department res... more

2 Months Ago

Speech Therapy For All P.C.

Riverhead, NY

Education requirements - Master's Degree. CCC'S. CFY'S can apply. Provide direct one on one speech therapy. Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatment... more

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Barstow Community Hospital

Barstow, CA

Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for providing speech and language and swallowing diagnostic and therapy techniques in accordance with state and ... more

4 Months Ago

PEOPLE INC.

Rochester, NY

Salary $60,320 USD. Responsible for providing services to people who have speech/language/swallowing needs. Screens/evaluates to assess speech/language/swa... more

NHC HealthCare Lewisburg

Lewisburg, TN

Speech Language Pathologist for school aged children - Marshall County, TN - Full Time. Why NHC. We offer a culture of recognition, empowerment, and fun. A... more

29 Days Ago

OSF HealthCare

Escanaba, MI

Overview. PRN Position. Expected pay for this position is $36.79 - $43.29/hour. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. PO... more

Common Company Salaries for Speech Pathologist

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Star therapeutics inc, narrow lane co, anteater pest & lawn services, happy tails veterinary hospital, most common benefits for speech pathologist.

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Speech Pathologist Bonus and Incentive Rates

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Speech Pathologist Salary by Educational Level

Salaries for speech pathologist with a high school diploma or technical certificate.

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Speech Pathologist with a Master's Degree or MBA is $89,433 - $94,394. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Speech Pathologist Salaries by Degree Level

FAQ about Speech Pathologist

1. what are the responsibilities of speech pathologist.

The Speech Pathologist evaluates speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors. Diagnoses and treats speech and language problems, and engages in scientific study of human communication. Being a Speech Pathologist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders. Plans, directs, or conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication problems of organic and nonorganic etiology. In addition, Speech Pathologist maintains records, monitors progress, and counsels patients and their family members. May require a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology (CCC). Requires a master's degree of speech-language pathology. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Speech Pathologist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

2. What are the skills of Speech Pathologist

Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Commitment: An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.

Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services is a special healthcare service that help a person regain physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning) abilities that have been lost or impaired as a result of disease, injury, or treatment.

Infection Control: Infection control is the discipline concerned with preventing nosocomial or healthcare-associated infection, a practical (rather than academic) sub-discipline of epidemiology. It is an essential, though often underrecognized and undersupported, part of the infrastructure of health care. Infection control and hospital epidemiology are akin to public health practice, practiced within the confines of a particular health-care delivery system rather than directed at society as a whole. Anti-infective agents include antibiotics, antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals and antiprotozoals. Infection control addresses factors related to the spread of infections within the healthcare setting (whether patient-to-patient, from patients to staff and from staff to patients, or among-staff), including prevention (via hand hygiene/hand washing, cleaning/disinfection/sterilization, vaccination, surveillance), monitoring/investigation of demonstrated or suspected spread of infection within a particular health-care setting (surveillance and outbreak investigation), and management (interruption of outbreaks). It is on this basis that the common title being adopted within health care is "infection prevention and control."

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Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide

Speech-language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating conditions that affect one’s ability to speak and swallow. Speech-language pathologists are also called speech therapists, or abbreviated as SLPs. Their work helps people improve and regain functions related to speech, language, vocalization, communication, swallowing, and more.  

In this guide, we’ll discuss the average salary, how to find the highest-paying speech therapist jobs, how to maximize your SLP pay, and more.  

This rewarding career path is needed in all 50 states, and demand is only projected to grow. Check out Trusted’s Speech-Language Pathologist Career Guide to learn how to get started in this rewarding career path. Now, let’s talk about speech and language pathologist salary.  

How Much Does a Speech Pathologist Make?

The average speech pathologist salary is $89,290 annually, or $42.93 per hour.  

• The highest-earning 10% of SLPs earn $129,930 annually or more, which is approximately $62.47 per hour.
• The lowest earning 10% of SLPs earn approximately $57,910 annually, equal to $27.84 per hour.  

What Type of Speech Pathologist Makes the Most Money?

Your speech-language pathologist salary will vary depending on the environment you work in. SLPs have the flexibility to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Currently, the highest-paid speech therapists work in:

• Civic and social organizations- $130,620 per year
• Home health care services- $121,410 per year
• Management- $112,110 per year
• Child care services- $109,110
• Skilled nursing facilities- $108,640

Here are even more types of speech pathologist work settings and the average salaries for each:

• Specialty hospitals- $105,830 per year
• General hospitals- $ 98,790 per year
• Healthcare offices- $96,540 per year
• Education and schools- $83,720 per year

Speech-language pathologists are skilled healthcare providers needed in a wide variety of clinical environments. Each work setting allows you to specialize in a certain area of speech therapy, allowing you to gain experience, grow your skillset, and increase your salary as a speech-language pathologist.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience

To be a speech-language pathologist, you must have a master’s degree in speech pathology. Additionally, SLPs must be state-licensed and nationally certified through the American Speech-Langage-Hearing Association (ASHA).

What is a speech pathologist salary with a master’s degree? Since all speech pathologists hold master's degrees, the wages of master’s prepared SLPs are the same as those listed above. Here’s a brief review:

• The average speech pathologist salary with a master’s degree is $89,290.  
• The highest earning 10% of SLPs earn $129,930.
• The lowest earning 10% of SLPs earn $57,910 annually.  

On average, it can take six years or more to earn a master’s degree and get started in speech therapy. First, a bachelor’s degree is needed, which takes approximately four years. After that, your next step is a master’s degree, which takes an average of two years to complete.

How much does an SLP make as they gain experience?

As you gain experience in speech and language pathology, you can expect your salary to increase. The number of years worked in this field will translate to higher pay. Learning advanced skills, expanding your expertise, and moving into leadership and management roles are great ways to earn more.

What are the Top-Paying States for Speech-Language Pathologists?

The top-paying states for SLPs , by average yearly salary, are:

• California- $112,030 per year
• Washington, DC- $111,110 per year
• Colorado- $107,780 per year
• Hawaii- $106,790 per year
• New Jersey- $102,820 per year

SLP pay varies by geographic region and location. In general, areas of the country with higher costs of living pay more than areas with lower costs of living. Larger, urban cities tend to pay more than smaller, rural ones.

SLP Salary Range Considerations:

Many other factors affect speech-language pathologist pay, including work setting and location. Obtaining voluntary certification can unlock opportunities for career advancement, increase job mobility, and boost earning potential.

• The Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is an additional certification that SLPs can obtain to showcase their dedication and expertise.  

Don’t forget that gaining experience, taking on additional responsibilities, growing your skills, and expanding into leadership or management roles are all great ways to increase your speech therapy salary in addition to certification.

What is the Job Outlook Like for SLPs?

Speech and language pathology has an impressive 19% projected growth rate over the next ten years! This is much faster than average compared to all professions, with an expected 33,100 additional speech therapists needed to meet demand by 2032.

As healthcare needs continue to grow, the demand for skilled and experienced speech therapists will only increase. Staff and travel SLPs will be needed to fill this gap, and becoming a travel SLP is one of the most effective ways to increase your speech therapist salary.

Travel SLP Salary

Trusted Health's current median travel speech therapist salary is $2130 weekly. Working at this rate for 50 weeks annually would net you approximately $106,500 annually!

Travel speech therapists are expert healthcare providers who can work in a wide range of SLP roles with minimal orientation and guidance. Consequently, travel SLP pay is often higher than SLP pay. Travel SLPs are experts in their field and can hit the ground running to ensure patients’ healthcare needs are promptly met despite regional staffing shortages.

Find a Speech-Language Pathologist Job with Trusted Health

Taking your skills on the road as a travel speech-language pathologist is a great way to maximize your earning potential! It is also an excellent way to see the United States, enjoy new experiences, and expand your speech-therapist career.

Trusted Health proudly offers the industry’s highest-paying travel SLP jobs, outstanding benefits, and unmatched clinical support. Becoming an allied health traveler is the start of the adventure of a lifetime, and Trusted Health is here for you every step of the way.

Get started by searching our current travel speech language pathologist jobs today!

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Speech-Language Pathology Salary

The demand for speech and linguistic therapy has been trending upward as public school systems are now more than ever making SLP services available to students, as strides are being made to identify and diagnose disorders early, and as a greater number of elderly stroke survivors undergo therapy, among other factors.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have landed, once again, on the U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs list, holding down the #8 spot for 2020, and for good reason. A strong demand for SLPs has driven salaries up and unemployment down (just 0.8% as of 2020), and everyone from young children to seniors are benefitting from the services they provide related to speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.

More kids in preschool than ever before…expanded services being made available in schools under Individualized Education Programs that address students’ specific needs…and increasing numbers of seniors living with age-related medical conditions like dementia and strokes are just a few of the factors contributing to the rising demand for SLPs. It’s a red-hot profession, and demand is far outpacing supply in many cases.

Earn the credentials it takes to become part of this profession and you just might end up with your pick of job offers, while definitely being in line for strong salary offers and fantastic perks like hiring and relocation bonuses.

Keep reading to learn how much SLPs are earning, how experience, setting, and geographic location can and do influence earning potential, and how to position yourself as one of the top earners in the profession.

SLP Salaries and How Experience Influences Earning Potential

From hospitals to in-home service: what slps earn in different practice settings, and the top-paying cities and states for slps are…, hiring bonuses and other salary perks for speech-language pathologists, a guide to slp salaries in all 50 states, speech pathology graduate salaries by state.

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Strong salaries continue to dominate the SLP field and reaching a six-figure salary isn’t out of the question here.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech-language pathologists earned an average, annual salary of $77,510 as of May 2019. The top earners in the profession (top 25 th percentile) earned an average salary of $97,770.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) 2019 annual  SLP Healthcare Survey reported a similar annual average salary for speech-language pathologists of $78,000. Those in the top 25 th percentile earned an average salary of $92,000.

Speech-language pathologists share similar qualifications, including a graduate education in speech-language pathology that’s been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) , pre-licensure professional experiences, a state license and, in many cases, the  through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (many states either require the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) for licensure or recognize it as a path to licensure).

Because of these fairly standard license and practice requirements, you won’t find much difference in salaries here. However, where you practice (both setting and location) and how long you’ve been practicing does influence your earning power in the SLP field.

According to ASHA, SLPs with 1-3 years of experience earned an average salary of $66,000. Salaries continue to grow until reaching a peak at about 20 years of experience:

• 4-6 years: $72,000
• 7-9 years: $79,000
• 10-12 years: $78,000
• 13-15 years: $87,500
• 16-18 years: $82,000
• 19-21 years: $100,000

You’ll find significant salary differences depending on the setting in which SLPs work. According to the ASHA 2019 salary survey, the highest-paid SLPs worked in skilled nursing facilities, where they earned an annual average salary of $95,000. The BLS also reported a similar annual mean salary for SLPs in this setting, at $94,840.

SLPs in VA, long-term acute care, and general medical hospitals also earned an average salary that far exceeded the national average – $85,798, according to ASHA. BLS stats also mirrored ASHA, with SLPs in these settings earning a mean salary of $85,220.

According to ASHA, other average salaries according to setting include:

• Home Health: $76,000
• Outpatient clinics/offices: $73,500
• Pediatric hospitals: $78,000
• Rehabilitation hospitals: $79,000

The top earners in the field (top 25 th percentile) earned the following average salaries, according to ASHA:

• General medical/VA/long-term acute care hospitals: $98,000
• Home health: $90,000
• Outpatient clinics: $86,200
• Pediatric hospitals: $90,000
• Rehabilitation hospitals: $90,000
• Skilled nursing facilities: $105,000

While ASHA didn’t reveal salaries for SLPs in elementary and secondary schools, the BLS reported an average mean salary of $72,480 for these professionals. SLPs in school settings remain among the lowest paid in the field and are often among the busiest due to high caseloads.

According to ASHA, the top earners in the field are in the western part of the U.S., with these SLPs earning an average salary of $85,000. This isn’t surprising, considering that the cost of living in this area of the country tends to be higher than in other parts of the country.

Other average salaries according to geographical location include:

• South: $79,000
• Northeast: $78,000
• Midwest: $73,520

The BLS provided even more insight into where SLPs earn the highest salaries by highlighting the top-paying states for these professionals (according to annual mean salary):

• New Jersey: $95,000
• Washington D.C.: $93,570
• California: $93,510
• Connecticut: $92,280
• Colorado: $90,980

And according to metro area:

• Napa, CA: $106,620
• Jackson, MI: $105,130
• San Francisco, CA (includes Oakland and Hayward): $103,890
• Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $103,030
• Tulsa, OK: $102,680
• Wichita Falls, TX: $102,540
• Chico, CA: $101,990
• Battle Creek, MI: $101,810
• Gainesville, FL: $101,750

Total compensation in the SLP field includes both salary and bonuses, often as a result of holding the CCC-SLP. It’s quite common for employers in states that don’t require the CCC-SLP for licensure to encourage SLPs to earn this national designation by offering hiring/annual bonuses and/or higher salaries. Also, many of the nation’s top employers of SLPs now require this designation as a condition of employment, so holding the CCC-SLP may be your ticket to more and higher-paying job opportunities.

Employers across the country continue to struggle with recruitment and retention of SLPs, so it’s quite common to find employers offering sign-on bonuses, relocation bonuses, and more. A quick search of current SLP jobs throughout the country revealed signing bonuses reaching $2,500, relocation assistance, and even student loan repayment.

Learn more about the earning power of SLPs in your state by checking out the following BLS salary stats for SLPs in the 50 th -90 th percentiles:

• Alabama: $65,510 – $102,470 (approximately 1,700 licensed SLPs)
• Alaska: $88,250 – $122,110 (approximately 250 licensed SLPs)
• Arizona: $74,540 – $108,920 (approximately 2,730 licensed SLPs)
• Arkansas: $67,930 – $118,470 (approximately 1,990 licensed SLPs)
• California: $93,060 – $126,000 (approximately 14,980 licensed SLPs)
• Colorado: $87,910 – $132,740 (approximately 3,980 licensed SLPs)
• Connecticut: $94,460 – $156,350 (approximately 2,290 licensed SLPs)
• Delaware: $82,270 – $120,250 (approximately 630 licensed SLPs)
• District of Columbia: $99,160 – $138,470 (approximately 390 licensed SLPs)
• Florida: $82,560 – $112,360 (approximately 9,120 licensed SLPs)
• Georgia: $76,170 – $115,350 (approximately 3,440 licensed SLPs)
• Hawaii: $78,540 – $101,560
• Idaho: $72,150 – $104,700 (approximately 820 licensed SLPs)
• Illinois: $76,010 – $116,720 (approximately 7,510 licensed SLPs)
• Indiana: $75,940 – $107,760 (approximately 2,610 licensed SLPs)
• Iowa: $74,470 – $107,770 (approximately 1,230 licensed SLPs)
• Kansas: $70,670 – $111,830 (approximately 1,490 licensed SLPs)
• Kentucky: $68,900 – $108,110 (approximately 2,130 licensed SLPs)
• Louisiana: $80,770 – $120,550 (approximately 1,260 licensed SLPs)
• Maine: $65,130 – $88,700 (approximately 790 licensed SLPs)
• Maryland: $85,160 – $123,930 (approximately 3,020 licensed SLPs)
• Massachusetts: $86,310 – $122,690 (approximately 3,990 licensed SLPs)
• Michigan: $76,860 – $118,190 (approximately 4,300 licensed SLPs)
• Minnesota: $75,300 – $106,150 (approximately 3,240 licensed SLPs)
• Mississippi: $64,880 – $98,230 (approximately 1,460 licensed SLPs)
• Missouri: $78,360 – $120,450 (approximately 3,410 licensed SLPs)
• Montana: $71,270 – $109,950 (approximately 380 licensed SLPs)
• Nebraska: $73,150 – $101,110 (approximately 1,020 licensed SLPs)
• Nevada: $76,870 – $118,990 (approximately 1,070 licensed SLPs)
• New Hampshire: $75,800 – $101,480 (approximately 750 licensed SLPs)
• New Jersey: $89,510 – $154,210 (approximately 5,750 licensed SLPs)
• New Mexico: $71,760 – $111,820 (approximately 880 licensed SLPs)
• New York: $88,910 – $149,470 (approximately 13,130 licensed SLPs)
• North Carolina: $70,680 – $112,420 (approximately 4,450 licensed SLPs)
• North Dakota: $67,940 – $90,940 (approximately 560 licensed SLPs)
• Ohio: $74,280 – $113,570 (approximately 6,200 licensed SLPs)
• Oklahoma: $70,260 – $113,980 (approximately 1,700 licensed SLPs)
• Oregon: $83,240 – $115,800 (approximately 1,650 licensed SLPs)
• Pennsylvania: $76,570 – $121,250 (approximately 5,700 licensed SLPs)
• Rhode Island: $85,710 – $119,050 (approximately 600 licensed SLPs)
• South Carolina: $71,700 – $102,070 (approximately 1,830 licensed SLPs)
• South Dakota: $59,180 – $83,760 (approximately 360 licensed SLPs)
• Tennessee $78,080 – $102,580 (approximately 3,150 licensed SLPs)
• Texas: $71,280 – $110,960 (approximately 14,820 licensed SLPs)
• Utah: $79,100 – $106,940 (approximately 1,360 licensed SLPs)
• Vermont: $73,140 – $101,630 (approximately 280 licensed SLPs)
• Virginia: $86,350 – $124,600 (approximately 3,090 licensed SLPs)
• Washington: $77,340 – $106,900 (approximately 3,110 licensed SLPs)
• West Virginia: $59,000 – $102,910 (approximately 800 licensed SLPs)
• Wisconsin: $72,090 – $99,450 (approximately 2,360 licensed SLPs)
• Wyoming: $75,820 – $121,270 (approximately 300 licensed SLPs)

Salary and employment data compiled by the  United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2019 . Figures represent accumulated data for all employment sectors in which speech-language pathologists work. BLS salary data represents average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. 

Salary and employment data compiled by ASHA’s 2020 SLP Healthcare Survey . Figures represent accumulated data for all employment sectors in which speech-language pathologists work. This data does not represent starting salaries. 

All salary and employment data accessed September 2020.

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• Career Resources
• How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
• Both Sides of the Frenectomy Debate
• Certification
• State Licensing Overview
• Student Resources
• What is Speech-Language Pathology?
• CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
• Directory of CSD and SLP Undergraduate Programs
• Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
• SLP Clinical Fellowship
• SLP Thesis Track
• SLP Scholarship Guide
• Top SLP Master’s Programs
• Practice Settings
• Private Practice
• Telepractice
• Specialty Areas and Disorders
• Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Lip-Tie Issues
• Aphasia (Post Stroke)
• Apraxia of Speech
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Child Language Disorders
• Communication Competency Assessment
• Early Intervention
• Fluency Disorders
• Forensic Speech-Language Pathology
• Laryngeal Imaging
• Late Talkers
• Low-Incidence Disorders
• Multilingual Patients
• Occupational Therapy
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• Patients with Autism
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• Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)
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• Spasmodic Dysphonia
• Stuttering and Cluttering
• Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia)
• Transnasal Esophagoscopy and Pharyngeal/Esophageal Manometry
• Transgender Voice Modification Therapy
• Voice Therapy
• Dual Certification in SLP and Lactation Consultancy
• Continuing Education is Key to Career Versatility and Longevity in This Field
• Do You Speak with an Accent? … You Can Still Be an Outstanding SLP
• The Challenges and Rewards of Working with English Language Learners
• Some Advice on How to Approach Your Clinical Fellowship
• 4 Things a Job Description Can’t Tell You About the Profession
• 5 Things I Love Most About Being an SLP
• Your Guide to Getting Started in Telepractice
• Why Team Player SLPs are Even More Effective Than Superstars
• Why Working With the Entire Family Gets the Best Results in Kids Struggling with Speech-Language Issues

Speech language pathologist salary

The average salary for a speech language pathologist in the United States is around $51,777 per year.

Speech language pathologists earn an average yearly salary of $ 51,777 . Wages typically start from $ 33,580 and go up to $ 79,833 .

17 % below national average ● Updated in 2023

Speech language pathologist earnings by seniority

Top-level speech language pathologist earnings begin at :.

$ 38.38 per hour

$ 79,833 per year

Senior-level speech language pathologist earnings begin at :

$ 31.26 per hour

$ 65,029 per year

Mid-level speech language pathologist earnings begin at :

$ 24.89 per hour

$ 51,777 per year

Junior-level speech language pathologist earnings begin at :

$ 19.82 per hour

$ 41,225 per year

Starting level speech language pathologist earnings begin at :

$ 16.14 per hour

$ 33,580 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Speech language pathologist salary by state

How do speech language pathologist salaries compare to similar careers?

Speech language pathologists earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than physical therapists but more than substance abuse social workers.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)

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Speech Language Pathologist Salary: Your 2024 Salary Guide

Speech-language pathologists help patients overcome barriers to speaking and communicating. Find out more about this rewarding career and how much speech pathologists can earn.

Speech language pathologists diagnose and treat both children and adults who struggle with speech impediments, processing language, pronouncing words or sounds, or swallowing and eating. These issues may result from a development delay, injury, illness, or aging.

Speech language pathology is an in-demand field, offering many opportunities for growth and flexibility within the profession. In addition to providing flexible arrangements like working part-time, full-time, remotely from home, or in an office, speech language pathologists are also well-compensated for their expertise.

In this article, you'll learn more about what speech language pathologists earn, how different factors impact their salaries, and the job outlook for the field. At the end, you'll also explore cost-effective, online courses that can help you gain job-relevant skills today.

What is the average salary for a speech language pathologist?

The average salary for a speech language pathologists ranges between $62,340 and $118,021 a year, according to various salary listing sites.

While official statistics provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that speech language pathologists can expect a median annual salary of $79,060 a year, other salary aggregation sites suggest both higher and lower annual salaries. Here's what each says [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]:

The exact amount that you can expect to earn will likely be impacted by factors such as your work experience, the industry in which you work, and your geographic location.

Speech language pathologist salary by experience 

The more experiences you gain and the longer you work in the field of speech pathology, the more you will likely earn. If you’re new to the profession, try to gain as much experience as possible to highlight your skills and capabilities as a speech pathologist.

Here's the annual base salary you can expect to earn as a speech language pathologist based on your work experience, according to Glassdoor [ 2 ]:

0-1 years: $84,239

1-3 years: $88,047

4-6 years: $90,874

7-9 years: $92,894

10-14 years: $95,078

15+ years: $100,840

Speech language pathologist salary by industry 

As with most other professions, the industry in which you work has a great impact on your earning potential as a speech language pathologist.

Here are the divisions in pay for speech language pathologists across industries, according to the BLS [ 1 ]:

Nursing and residential care facilities: $99,340 

Hospitals; state, local, and private: $95,620

Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: $93,510

Educational services; state, local, and private: $75,270

Speech language pathologist salary by location  

Your location can be a significant factor in your earning potential as a speech pathologist. The highest-paying states for speech language pathologists are Hawaii, California, the District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey [ 5 ]. Working in a metropolitan area may also afford you more opportunities for higher-paying positions, depending on the state where you work. 

To help you get a better idea of what you can expect to earn, here's the average base salary for speech pathologists in ten different cities, according to Glassdoor.

Earn a certification to boost your salary

Specializing in an area of speech pathology can affect your income as you may earn more with additional credentials. You may also be able to work in higher-paying industries with a specialization. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national organization that certifies speech pathologists. Many employers require ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and some states use this certification to award licensure, but the ASHA also offers optional board-certified specialist (BCS) certifications.

These certifications are intended for anyone who wants to work with a specific population or with a specific disorder. A few BCS options to consider: 

Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Outside of the ASHA, you can earn specialized certifications through organizations that advocate for and provide research for certain conditions or through colleges and universities that offer courses and certifications. For example, the Lee Silverman Treatment Certification (LSVT-LOUD) certification for speech language pathologists prepares you to work with patients with Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders.

Speech language pathologist job outlook

The job outlook for speech language pathologists is very positive over the coming years.

The number of speech language pathologists positions is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2022 and 2032, resulting in approximately 13,200 new jobs every year throughout the decade [ 6 ]. This is significantly faster job growth than is projected for all occupations in the United States, which the US BLS pegs at just five percent during the same time period. Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More

If you’re interested in becoming a speech language pathologist, research accredited graduate programs and think about which population you’d like to work with and what type of therapy you’d like to offer. 

In the Icahn School of Medicine's Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know course, you'll be exposed to current concepts on the physiology of voice production and learn how vocal inefficiencies can lead to the development of voice disorders. Check out Coursera Plus with a free 7-day trial.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Occupational Outlook Handbook: Speech-Language Pathologists, Pay , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5." Accessed September 6, 2023.

Glassdoor. " Speech Language Pathologist Salaries , https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/speech-language-pathologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm?clickSource=careerNav.” Accessed September 6, 2023.

Zippia. " Speech Language Pathologist Salary , https://www.zippia.com/speech-language-pathologist-jobs/salary/.“ Accessed September 6, 2023.

Indeed. " Speech language pathologist salary in United States , https://www.indeed.com/career/speech-language-pathologist/salaries." Accessed September 6, 2023.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 , Speech-Language Pathologists, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htm#st." Accessed September 6, 2023.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Speech-Language Pathologists, Job Outlook , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-6." Accessed September 6, 2023.

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How To Become A Speech Pathologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 10:29am

Human communication is astoundingly complex. Every language spoken on Earth comprises vocabularies with tens of thousands of words, built with dozens of speech sounds. Languages enable us to discuss almost any concept, and learning new languages can offer opportunities for enrichment expanding past cultural and geographical borders.

However, intervention by a speech pathologist is critical when human speech and language are impaired. Speech pathologists treat various speech, language and swallowing disorders (speech and swallowing use the same muscles). By attending speech pathologist school, you’re embarking on a journey to help people regain their ability to communicate clearly and connect with others on a human level.

Read on to learn how to become a speech pathologist.

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a clinical professional who helps patients overcome communication or swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists work to improve patients’ quality of life by fortifying their language and fluency skills, bolstering their vocabulary, and restoring their ability to enjoy foods and liquids safely.

Issues that speech pathologists treat include:

• Speech impediments: How we vocalize sounds and articulate words is crucial to our communication abilities. Speech impediments may severely hinder vocalization to the point where a person can’t speak at all or in a way others can understand. Speech pathologists help patients overcome these issues and strengthen their ability to speak and communicate clearly.
• Language disorders: People with language disorders may struggle to understand the words or sounds used by others or come up with the right words while speaking. Speech pathologists help patients expand their vocabulary and fortify their comprehension.
• Fluency issues: Fluency pertains to how well speech flows. Somebody with a stutter, for example, may seek treatment and counseling from a speech pathologist.
• Swallowing disorders: Difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) can stem from various causes, including past surgeries, radiation and neurological damage. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition if left untreated. Speech pathologists help patients strengthen and develop the muscles necessary to swallow properly.

Work Environment

Speech pathologists work in various professional settings. Most work in educational facilities, including state, local and private settings. Others work in clinical offices, hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. In rare cases, speech pathologists may be self-employed, but most work as part of a team.

Common Challenges

Speech pathologists must have a firm handle on treating and interacting with people from diverse populations. They should know how to approach people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds with a range of disorders.

Speech pathology can also be emotionally taxing. Speech pathologists must be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients; it can be challenging to witness as patients struggle with severe speech impediments or swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook

Speech pathologists take home a median annual wage of $84,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this profession is overwhelmingly positive; employment is estimated to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Becoming a speech pathologist involves earning a master’s degree, obtaining licensure and clocking several hours of supervised practice.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

While a speech pathologist ultimately needs a master’s degree, starting with your bachelor’s is a good first step. You may not have to earn your bachelor’s degree in a particular subject to qualify for admission to a speech pathology master’s program. However, it could be helpful to pursue your bachelor’s degree in a subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or another health-related field.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

Complete a Master’s Degree

You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in speech pathology next. Your program must be accredited for you to become certified, and sometimes to earn state licensure as well. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits speech-language pathology programs.

It generally takes two years to finish a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or supervised clinical work during their studies. Master’s programs cover topics such as fluency disorders, social communication development, dysphagia and language disorders in children.

Obtain Licensure

After finishing your master’s program, you’ll need a license to practice speech pathology in your state. That entails getting a master’s degree from an accredited program, clocking additional supervised clinical experience hours (even if you’ve already completed some as part of your master’s) and passing a licensure exam.

Every state has varying requirements for licensure. In California, for example, speech pathologists must complete 300 supervised hours of clinical practice in three separate clinical settings, along with 36 weeks of supervised full-time required professional experience. Alternatively, they may complete 72 weeks of part-time experience.

In Oklahoma, speech pathologists need a supervised, 400-hour clinical practicum experience. Of those hours, 375 should be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation. Pathologists should complete 325 of their practicum hours in a CAA-accredited graduate program.

Certifications for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can earn certifications to demonstrate their professional competency. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Regulatory agencies recognize this certification in most states. Some states and school districts provide pay supplements to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to earn the CCC-SLP credential. They must also pass an exam and log 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. The certification costs $511 for applicants who wish to become ASHA members; it costs $455 without the membership.

Professional Organizations for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists may also seek specialized certifications in various speech pathology concentrations. The American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders , the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders all offer specialty certifications.

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

To become certified as a specialist in child language, you must:

• Be CCC-SLP certified
• Have been employed for five years full-time as a speech pathologist
• Log 100 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing education in the realm of child language in the last 10 years

The application fee for the BCS-CL is $250.

American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Becoming a board-certified BCS-F member requires:

• Being CCC-SLP certified
• A minimum of three years of full-time employment experience in speech pathology
• 450 clinical contact service hours within the area of fluency disorders
• Submitting a portfolio of case studies to be approved.

The application fee is $250.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Speech pathologists who specialize in dysphagia can apply to become BCS-S certified. Candidates must:

• Demonstrate advanced continuing education in the dysphagia field
• Have at least three years of experience working directly with dysphagia patients
• Document advanced-level skills in treating swallowing disorders

The application fee is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become a Speech Pathologist

What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist.

These terms are interchangeable—there’s no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists help patients overcome vocalization, language, fluency and swallowing issues.

What is the best major for speech pathology?

Speech pathology doesn’t require any particular bachelor’s degree, but majoring in a related subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or communications disorders may help your chances of getting into an accredited master’s program. Most speech pathology master’s programs require undergraduate coursework in biology and health-related fields.

How much money do SLPs make?

The median annual salary for a speech pathologist in the U.S. is $84,140, as reported by the BLS. Speech pathologists who work in company and enterprise management make $127,180 on average.

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How Much Do Speech-Language Pathologists Make?

Industry Advice Healthcare

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perform a range of duties to improve their patients’ lives and wellbeing. From evaluating patients to diagnosing speech, language, and swallowing disorders to creating and implementing treatment plans and more, SLPs play a critical role in the mental health and healthcare industries. 

To become an SLP, an individual must complete a graduate-level degree (such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology), pass a national examination, and apply for licensure in the state they wish to practice. Together, these steps serve to demonstrate their future effectiveness in the role. 

Clearly, becoming an SLP is no small feat. It takes dedication and an investment of time, effort, and money to earn the degree alone. It is for this reason that speech-language pathologists are well-rewarded for their work. In addition to the satisfaction that comes from working to improve the lives of their patients every day, speech-language pathologists also enjoy competitive salaries and significant job security.

Below, we examine the average salary that speech-language pathologists can expect to earn and discuss some of the factors that can influence this salary. 

Interested in a Speech-Language Pathology Career?

Learn how an SLP degree can give you the skills you need to make a difference in educational and healthcare settings.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of all speech-language pathologists is approximately $80,500 per year . The highest 10 percent of professionals earn more than $122,750 per year. This figure typically correlates with those who have the most experience in the field. 

However, several factors will influence your compensation as a speech-language pathologist. These factors include:

• The specific environment you work in 
• How long you have worked in the field
• Where in the country you are employed 

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Work Environment

The specific facility or work environment you are employed in will significantly impact your salary. Per the BLS, those who work in nursing and residential care facilities earn the highest average wages, while those working in educational facilities, such as schools, earn the lowest average wages:

• Nursing and residential care facilities: $95,010 per year
• Hospitals: $87,110 per year
• Private practice: $83,250 per year
• Educational services: $71,410 per year

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) compiled a similar report in 2019 that breaks these facilities down in more granular detail. That study reported salary by facility and work environment as follows:

• Skilled nursing facility (SNF): $95,000 per year
• General medical: $85,798 per year
• Home health: $76,000 per year
• Outpatient clinic or office: $73,500 per year
• Pediatric hospital: $78,000 per year
• Rehab hospital: $79,000 per year

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience

ASHA also found that SLPs with greater levels of experience will typically earn more than those with fewer years of experience:

• 1 to 3 years of experience: $66,000 per year
• 4 to 6 years of experience: $72,000 per year
• 7 to 9 years of experience: $78,000 per year
• 10 to 12 years of experience: $78,000 per year
• 13 to 15 years of experience: $87,500 per year
• 16 to 18 years of experience: $82,000 per year
• 19 to 21 years of experience: $100,000 per year
• 22 to 24 years of experience: $83,000 per year
• 25 to 27 years of experience: $90,000 per year
• 28 to 30 years of experience: No data
• 31 or more years of experience: $95,000 per year

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Location

Finally, the specific location in which you work can impact your salary as well. According to ASHA, the region with the highest median salary for SLPs is the Western United States, while the region with the lowest average salary is the Midwest:

• West: $85,000 per year
• South: $79,000 per year
• Northeast: $78,000 per year
• Midwest: $73,520 per year

Speech-Language Pathology Job Outlook

Between 2019 and 2029, the number of speech-language pathologists is expected to grow by approximately 25 percent — a much faster growth rate than the 4 percent growth expected across all occupations in the U.S. This growth translates into an additional 40,500 open positions in the coming decade. 

There are a number of trends driving this increased demand. One of the most consequential developments is the aging of the Baby Boomer population. As this significant population ages, they are increasingly experiencing medical problems such as dementia and stroke that lead to speech and swallowing conditions addressed by SLPs. Additionally, medical advances have increased the likelihood of survival for those who experience serious medical episodes (such as stroke), increasing the number of older patients in need of the services offered by speech-language pathologists. 

Another critical consideration is the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the field of speech-language pathology. For example, more SLPs are needed to help treat speech and swallowing complications that have resulted from the disease in some patients. Additionally, the rapid shift toward telehealth sparked by the pandemic has made getting treatment by SLPs much more accessible for many populations (while also notably limiting access for other populations).

The First Step Into a Promising SLP Career

Speech-language pathologists enjoy high salaries, robust job growth, and numerous avenues for career growth. If you believe that becoming an SLP is the right move for you, the first step toward breaking into the field is to complete a related master’s degree, such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology . 

When selecting a program to enroll in, there are several factors to consider, including the quality of the facilities, whether or not the faculty consists of individuals with experience in the field, and clinical placement opportunities.

Students enrolled in the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program at Northeastern complete their initial clinical training in the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center to develop competence in the foundation skills they will use throughout their careers. Faculty members are active in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, in addition to being world-renowned researchers contributing to the progression of the discipline. 

Students must complete a total of four clinical courses, gaining the hands-on experience that they will need to be successful in the field. Once the first semester of clinical training is completed at the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center, the following semesters include Advanced Clinical Programming at the Center along with off-campus work in community-based hospitals, clinics, educational facilities, etc. 

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University. 

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Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP): What Do They Treat?

What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist, is a health professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing problems. They work with both children and adults of all ages in clinics, schools, and hospitals. They can help if you or someone you love has a developmental disorder, neurological condition, or brain injury that affects your ability to communicate with other people. They also can help if you have trouble eating or drinking safely due to swallowing issues.

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?

A speech-language pathologist does many things. Typically, they check how you're able to communicate or swallow. When you're having trouble communicating or swallowing , they will try to find the cause. They'll also develop a treatment plan just for you based on the trouble you're having and the reason for it. They'll work with you and provide therapy to help. They'll also keep track of how you're doing over time. Any treatment they offer is known as speech therapy.

SLPs provide a broad range of therapies because they treat communication and swallowing problems caused by so many different disorders. Their work may include:

• Helping people learn how to form sounds
• Teaching how to speak clearly and easily
• Using exercises to strengthen muscles used to speak or swallow
• Helping people increase the number of words they can say and/or understand
• Working with people to improve the way they put words together in sentences
• Providing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for people who have severe language disorders
• Educating patients and their families about how to overcome challenges from the communication or swallowing problem
• Providing a type of treatment called aural rehabilitation, which helps people with hearing loss

An SLP can help you understand other people better. They can also help other people understand you better by improving your ability to share your feelings through words, gestures, or other means. They can help you learn how to carry on a conversation, including taking turns or giving other people personal space.

SLPs can help you even if you have very limited or no ability to speak the way other people do. They can train you on how to use devices, such as electronic tablets or communication boards. In addition, they can help you learn to swallow safely with approaches that help you better control your swallowing muscles.

SLPs also can help you with:

• How your voice sounds
• How loud you talk
• Memory, attention, problem-solving, organization, and thinking
• Sucking and chewing

Types of Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists use different techniques and tools depending on what the underlying cause is, how old you are, and other factors. You may have different types of therapy including:

• Articulation therapy. You'll work on articulating sounds and words more clearly. Your therapist may use games to make it fun.
• Oral motor therapy. Your therapist will work on the muscles around your mouth with exercises to help with speaking or swallowing.
• Language intervention therapy. This type of therapy can help when you have a speech delay or language disability.
• VitalStim therapy. Your therapist may use electrical stimulation around your neck. This approach can help if you've had a stroke leading to problems with eating, swallowing, drinking, or speaking.
• Lee Silverman speech therapy (LSVT). This approach can help with vocal control, volume, and facial expressions. Your therapist may use it if your issues aren't related to your speech ability.
• Modeling techniques. Your therapist may repeat what you say back to you correctly or add in extra words. They'll offer plenty of praise and feedback to help with speech problems.

Speech pathologist vs. speech therapist

You might hear SLPs called speech pathologists or speech therapists. But they are the same thing. Either refers to a health care provider who helps with problems related to speech, communication, or swallowing.

What Conditions Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Treat?

SLPs provide therapy for people with hearing loss, children with developmental delays, and people with communication and swallowing problems. They treat disorders such as:

Speech disorders

These conditions make it difficult to produce sounds. Some examples include:

• Apraxia: When the brain has trouble directing the movements of the muscles used to speak
• Articulation disorders: The inability to form certain sounds, such as “th” or “r”
• Stuttering: When the flow of speech is broken by pauses and repetition
• Resonance disorders: Caused by an obstruction such as a cleft palate
• Dysarthria: Weakness in the muscles used in speech, caused by brain injury

Language disorders

These may be receptive (difficulty understanding language) or expressive (difficulty making oneself understood by others). Some examples are:

• Aphasia: Difficulty speaking or understanding others because of damage to the brain
• Auditory processing disorder: When the brain has trouble understanding the meaning of sounds

Cognitive-communication disorders

Usually, any brain injury that causes problems with memory, attention, organization, or reasoning, cognitive-communication disorders can make it difficult for a person to speak, listen, read, or write. Causes of cognitive-communication disorders include traumatic brain injury, stroke, or dementia .

Social-communication disorders

These conditions make it hard to communicate socially: greeting, asking questions, taking part in conversations, and talking in ways that are appropriate for the situation. Difficulty with social communication can be caused by autism spectrum disorder or events such as a traumatic brain injury.

Swallowing disorders

Sometimes called dysphagia, swallowing disorders are problems with eating and swallowing. Symptoms include coughing or choking during or after eating, food leaking from the mouth, taking much longer than normal to finish meals, weight loss, dehydration, and frequent pneumonia.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists hold a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Along with classes in the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders, these programs include at least 375 hours of clinical experience.

After graduation, a 1-year clinical fellowship (or medical training period) is required, with a minimum of 1,260 hours of work under the supervision of a certified SLP. Then the candidate must pass an exam to become certified as a speech-language pathologist.

Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?

You can find speech-language pathologists in many different places. Settings include:

• Assisted living facilities
• Business or work settings
• Military bases
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care or skilled nursing facilities

Reasons to See a Speech-Language Pathologist

If you or a loved one experience any of the following problems, it might be a good idea to seek out a speech-language pathologist.

Difficulty communicating after an injury or illness

Speech therapy can help some people regain the ability to express wants and needs, build relationships, carry out daily tasks, and succeed in school or at work. 

Difficulty eating after an injury or illness

Swallowing therapy can strengthen the muscles used in eating, help adults relearn swallowing coordination, and teach ways to reduce the risk of aspiration (accidentally inhaling food particles).

Feeding issues in infants and children

Babies and toddlers with swallowing disorders may have a pattern of fussiness at mealtimes, avoiding certain food textures or temperatures (called sensory aversions ), congestion or vomiting after eating, or gagging during meals. Feeding therapy can teach chewing, sipping, and swallowing, overcome sensory aversions, and help children learn to eat independently and enjoy mealtimes.

Delayed speech development

If you’re concerned that your child might not be speaking or understanding speech at a level appropriate for their age, talk with your child’s doctor. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist if your child needs to be evaluated. If a child does have a speech or language disorder, getting therapy early can help.

Speech-language pathologists work in many different places to help people of all ages when they have problems related to communication, speech, or swallowing for any reason. If you or a loved one is having trouble in any of these areas, ask your doctor if they'd recommend you get speech therapy to help.

Speech-Language Pathologist FAQs

• What happens during speech therapy?

Speech therapists treat many different problems that may be caused by many different conditions. They also use many different techniques and tools. What happens during your speech therapy session will depend on the problems you need help with. Ask your doctor or speech therapist what you can expect.

• How long do you need speech therapy?

That depends. Some people may need speech therapy for a few weeks, while others may benefit for months or even years. It depends on what you need speech therapy for. It also can depend on how much time you put into practicing the exercises or other skills your speech therapist recommends.

• How well does speech therapy work?

Speech therapists go through a lot of training and learn how to use methods that are based on evidence they work. One study of kids with a speech or language problem showed that 6 hours of speech and language therapy over 6 months helped. Another study suggests more variable outcomes after a stroke. How well speech therapy works for you will depend on the condition it's treating. It isn't a cure for any disorder, but it can help you with issues that affect your everyday life and ability to interact with people or eat. Ask your doctor or speech therapist how much they think it can help in your case.

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Also Known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech Therapist

• What They Do
• Conditions Treated

Training for Speech Pathologists

• When to See an SLP

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who helps you improve your speech and communication if you have been ill, injured, or have a chronic disability. Speech pathologists may also be called speech-language pathologists (SLP).

Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drink to help them stay safe while eating.

This article examines the important work that speech pathologists do as part of a rehabilitation team of professionals. You will learn what conditions they treat and when you should seek out the services of an SLP.

What a Speech Pathologist Does

A speech pathologist is a trained medical professional who works with patients who are injured or ill and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing. They work to prevent, assess, and treat these disorders in adults and children.

Speech pathologists help people communicate, and this may involve:

• Expressive communication : The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally
• Receptive communication : The ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communications

Some speech therapists work closely with audiologists (healthcare professionals who treat hearing and balance problems) to ensure that you can hear and understand language correctly. Others work with otolaryngologists , also called ear, nose, and throat physicians (ENTs), to help patients swallow food and drink safely and to assist patients with oral motor function.

Common Specialty Areas

Some speech pathologists have a more generalized practice, while others have a more narrow focus on specific areas or problems such as:

• Social communication
• Voice and vocal hygiene
• Speech sound disorders

Some of the official certifications that a speech pathologist may receive include:

•  Intraoperative monitoring
•  Fluency disorders
•  Swallowing and feeding disorders
•  Child language disorders

Speech pathologists seeking specialty certification have to meet education, experience, and clinical practice requirements as established by independent specialty certification boards.

Where Speech Therapists Work

There are a variety of settings in which speech pathologists work. This may include:

• Schools: Speech therapists working in schools help children with speech disorders learn to overcome their communication challenges.
• Nursing homes: Speech therapists in nursing homes help patients with dementia or communication issues caused by other conditions like stroke learn communication strategies. They also work with staff on ways to help residents communicate more effectively.
• Hospitals: A speech pathologist working in a hospital may help diagnose and treat language communication problems and swallowing disorders in hospitalized patients. 
• Private practices: Speech pathologists may also work in private practices where they may specialize in one or more language problems or health conditions in specific populations.

Speech pathologists can also work as educators in colleges and universities, and they may be involved in research.

Conditions Speech Therapists Treat

Speech pathologists work with people of various ages and with a variety of conditions. They sometimes work with young children who are having problems speaking properly, or they may help older adults with cognitive communication (communication that is affected by memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving, which are examples of executive functioning ).

A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and communication. Depending on the extent of the stroke, this loss of ability may be short-term or long-term. A speech pathologist can help someone who is recovering from a stroke regain their ability to speak and understand language.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition of the brain that affects how you communicate with others. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and can affect your ability to speak and understand what is being said.

Hearing Loss

A speech pathologist may work with other professionals such as audiologists and ENTs to help assess, manage, and treat someone with hearing loss. Some of the things a speech pathologist might do to help someone with hearing loss include evaluating the person's speech, helping them improve listening skills, and working with them to develop alternative communication strategies.

Vocal Damage

Vocal cords can become damaged in various ways including persistent coughing and voice overuse. A speech pathologist can teach you muscle strengthing and voice rehabilitation excercises and other strategies to help your vocal cords heal (such as cough modification). 

English Language Learners

If you are learning a new language and wish to alter your accent, you may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, as well. They can help you form words and sounds correctly to alter your normal speech in learning a new language.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head or an accident that affects the parts of the brain that control language can also lead to problems with communication. A speech therapist can help someone with this type of injury recover lost speech and language skills.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by several different medical conditions including muscular problems, a narrowed esophagus, damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or esophageal cancer. 

Untreated dysphagia can lead to problems eating and drinking including choking. A speech pathologist can help you develop strategies for safe chewing and swallowing, including exercises, correct body position, and food preparation recommendations. 

People with autism can have difficulty with both written and spoken communication as well as body-language forms of communication such as pointing and waving. Autism is also associated with difficulties relating to and socializing with other people. 

A speech pathologist can help people with autism understand communication norms and improve their written and spoken communication skills. They can also work with the families of people with autism on strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Alzheimer's Disease

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may develop communication problems as the disease progresses. A speech therapist can help the person develop memory skills and other strategies that will help them communicate.

Speech pathologists also work with the family and caregivers of people with dementia so they can help the person implement communication tools and strategies.   

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorder describes speech patterns characterized by differences in rate and rhythm compared to how most people speak. 

Stuttering is the most common example of a fluency disorder. Another example is cluttering, which describes speech that is atypically fast and irregular.

Speech pathologists usually develop an individualized treatment plan for someone with a fluency disorder, which may include strategies such as:

• Minimizing negative reactions to the problem
• Increasing the person's acceptance of the problem
• Improving confidence
• Reducing avoidance behavior

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders describe problems articulating words. People with speech sound disorders may be hard for others to understand. This can result in problems with social relationships, at work, or at school. 

Speech sound disorders are common in childhood and can be treated with the help of a speech pathologist. The pathologist will look at how the person moves their tongue, lips and jaw and help them learn the correct way to make sounds. 

People with speech sound disorders often have other problems with language; their speech therapist can also help them develop strategies to overcome these problems.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Voice therapy for transgender people can be an important part of gender-affirming healthcare. Learning to speak in ways that align with gender identity can improve a transgender person's quality of life as well as their social and psychological well-being.

A speech pathologist can help a transgender person learn to modify the pitch of their voice in ways that limit fatigue and damage to the vocal cords. They can also help the person learn nonverbal communication, articulation, and other strategies that can help their voice align with their gender identity.

To be a speech pathologist, a person must have a master's degree in communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology require time spent observing a speech therapist at work prior to admission. This satisfies the requirement for entry into school and provides a good understanding of what a speech pathologist's job is like.

The first year of work as a speech therapist is called a clinical fellowship year. During this time, aspiring speech pathologists will work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

Additional steps to becoming a speech pathologist include:

• Obtaining a certificate of clinical competence in SLP (CCC-SLP)
• Passing a national Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology
• Applying for SLP licensure in the state in which you will be working

A speech pathologist's education does not end when they leave school and pass the national examination. They must also fulfill continuing education requirements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to maintain their license.

When to See a Speech Pathologist

There are certain instances in which you may need to see a speech pathologist. For example, parents commonly notice small speech or language impairments in their children and seek out an SLP.

Adults may want to work with a speech pathologist to help with new or existing communication or language problems.

If you become hospitalized, you may have a speech pathologist come to your room and work with you at your bedside. They can help you with speech and language, swallowing and diet issues, and can work with other members of a rehab team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to return home.

When to see a medical professional

Many speech and language disorders benefit from the help of a speech therapist, but some are more urgent than others. Any sudden onset of impaired speech should be considered an emergency, as the person may be experiencing a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.

Children should be closely monitored for speech and language development. If your child does not have the language skills expected for their age, it is a good idea to see a speech pathologist as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one is having trouble communicating or understanding language, then working with a speech pathologist may be a good idea.

SLPs treat children and adults with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neurological injuries, autism, and more. They are trained to assess your condition and offer strategies to improve your expressive and receptive communication and swallowing function.

Pascoe A, Breen LJ, Cocks N. What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?: What is needed to prepare SPs to work in adult palliative care? .  International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2018;53(3):542-549. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12367

American Speech Language Hearing Association. Who are speech pathologists, and what do they do? .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Social communication .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech sound disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical specialty certification .

Reilly S, Harper M, Goldfeld S. The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just different? . J Paediatr Child Health . 2016;52(12):1057-1061. doi:10.1111/jpc.13318

National Aphasia Association. Stroke .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Aphasia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing loss in adults .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Autism (autism spectrum disorder) .

Alzheimer's Association. Strategies to support changes in memory, language and behavior in the early stages of dementia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fluency disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Gender-affirming voice therapy advocacy .

SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. How to become a speech pathologist .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Identifying speech and language concerns about your child and when should you seek help?  

Salary.com. Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States .

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do? Understanding Their Role

A speech pathologist's expertise lies in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders, which can affect individuals of all ages.

Whether helping a child articulate sounds correctly, aiding a person recovering from a stroke to regain communication skills, or assisting someone with a stutter, speech pathologists provide essential services that significantly impact people's lives.

Key Takeaways:

Role and Importance : Speech pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across all ages.

Education and Training : Becoming a speech pathologist involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in speech-language pathology, completing a clinical fellowship, and obtaining licensure and certification.

Areas of Expertise : Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in various disorders, including articulation, phonological, fluency, resonance, receptive and expressive language disorders, pragmatic disorders, cognitive and social communication disorders, and swallowing disorders (also called dysphagia).

Work Settings : Speech pathologists work in diverse settings, such as schools, hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and research and academia.

Daily Activities : A typical day involves assessments, treatment planning, therapy sessions, collaboration with other professionals, and maintaining detailed documentation.

Education and Training

Areas of expertise, where do speech-language pathologists work, typical day of a speech pathologist, impact of speech pathology, frequently asked questions, how connected speech pathology helps those in need.

To become a speech pathologist, one must typically complete the following steps:

Bachelor's Degree : Most aspiring speech pathologists begin with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field.

Master's Degree : A master's degree in speech-language pathology is essential. It provides specialized training in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.

Clinical Fellowship : A clinical fellowship year (CFY) allows new graduates to gain supervised professional experience after graduation.

Licensure and Certification : Most regions require speech pathologists to be licensed. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is highly regarded in the United States.

Speech-language pathologists work across a broad spectrum of communication and swallowing issues. Here are some key areas they specialize in:

Speech Disorders

Articulation Disorders : Difficulty in pronouncing sounds correctly.

Phonological Disorders : Patterns of sound errors, such as substituting one sound for another.

Fluency Disorders : Issues such as stuttering, where the flow of speech is interrupted.

Voice and Resonance Disorders : Problems with the quality of voice, often due to issues with the nasal or oral cavities.

Language Disorders

Receptive Language Disorders : Difficulty understanding what others are saying.

Expressive Language Disorders : Difficulty expressing thoughts and ideas.

Pragmatic Disorders : Challenges with the social aspects of communication, like taking turns in conversation.

Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Cognitive-communication disorders affect memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functions , often due to traumatic brain injury or neurological conditions.

Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

Speech pathologists also assess and treat swallowing disorders , ensuring patients can eat and drink safely. This area of expertise is critical for individuals recovering from strokes , surgery, or other medical conditions affecting the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing.

Communication Coaching

In addition to treating clinical communication disorders, speech pathologists can serve as communication coaches . They help individuals improve their communication skills for professional or personal development.

This includes enhancing public speaking abilities , refining articulation for clear and effective speech, and developing strategies for confident and engaging interpersonal communication . By providing tailored coaching, SLPs help individuals convey their messages more effectively, whether in the workplace , social settings, or public forums.

Accent Modification Training

Some speech-language pathologists are adept at delivering accent modification training . Accent modification is aimed at individuals who want to reduce their native accent and improve their pronunciation in a target language, such as someone who wants to speak American English with a less noticeable regional accent.

It involves identifying specific sound differences and practicing exercises to achieve a desired pronunciation. However, it's important to remember that accents aren't disorders, and fluency and clear communication remain the primary goals.

Speech therapists can be found in various settings , including:

Schools : Working with children who have speech and language difficulties, providing therapy, and supporting educational outcomes.

Hospitals : Assisting patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that affect communication and swallowing.

Private Practices : Offering specialized services to individuals across the lifespan.

Rehabilitation Centers : Helping patients regain lost skills following injury or illness.

Nursing Homes : Supporting elderly individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties.

Research and Academia : Conducting research to advance the field and teaching future speech pathologists.

Remote Work from Home : Utilizing telepractice to provide therapy services remotely, enabling speech pathologists to reach clients who may have geographical constraints, mobility issues, or busy schedules. This flexibility allows for a broader range of clients to receive consistent and effective therapy from the comfort of their own homes.

A typical day for a speech therapist varies widely depending on their work setting. Here's an overview:

Conducting detailed evaluations to diagnose communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.

Using standardized tests, observations, and interviews to gather comprehensive information about the patient's abilities and challenges.

Treatment Planning

Developing individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient's needs and goals.

Setting short-term and long-term objectives to guide therapy.

Therapy Sessions

Implementing therapy techniques to improve speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication , and swallowing skills.

Using various tools and exercises, from traditional speech drills to innovative technology-based interventions.

Collaboration

Working with other healthcare professionals, educators, and family members to provide holistic care.

Attending meetings and consultations to ensure a coordinated approach to the patient's treatment.

Documentation

Keeping detailed records of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and outcomes.

Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in documentation and patient confidentiality.

The work of a speech therapist profoundly impacts individuals' lives by enhancing communication and swallowing abilities. Effective communication is vital for personal and professional relationships, academic success, and overall quality of life. By addressing these challenges, speech pathologists enable individuals to participate more fully in their communities and reach their potential.

Early intervention improves academic performance and social interactions for children. Speech therapy helps children develop crucial skills, boosting their confidence and educational outcomes.

Speech therapy helps adults recovering from strokes or brain injuries regain independence and employability. Speech pathologists address swallowing disorders and cognitive-communication challenges in elderly populations, improving health and quality of life. By promoting safer swallowing and cognitive strategies, SLPs help older adults maintain independence and reduce health risks, ensuring a more fulfilling and engaged life.

Speech-language pathologists also work with adults on articulation, fluency, and voice for clearer communication in the workplace and increased confidence in social interactions. This holistic approach to communication across all ages ensures individuals have the tools they need to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

1. Why would someone need a speech pathologist?

Someone might need a speech pathologist for issues like speech disorders (e.g., stuttering), language difficulties, cognitive-communication disorders, swallowing problems, social communication disorders, voice disorders, developmental or speech delays, or communication challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder.

2. What is the difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist?

While the terms 'speech therapist' and 'speech-language pathologist' are sometimes used interchangeably, 'speech-language pathologist' (SLP) is the preferred term. It accurately reflects the broader scope of an SLP's practice. SLPs provide speech therapy, conduct assessments, and diagnose and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.

3. What can I expect during a speech therapy session?

Speech therapy sessions vary depending on the individual's needs but typically involve assessments, exercises, and strategies to improve communication or swallowing. A speech-language pathologist might use play, games, or visual aids to make therapy engaging and target specific goals in children.

4. Can a speech-language pathologist help with public speaking?

Yes, speech-language pathologists can serve as communication coaches for people without a speech disorder. They can help with fear of public speaking and other business communication concerns. They can identify areas for improvement, like pacing or vocal variety, and develop personalized strategies to boost your confidence and delivery.

From practicing presentations to managing stage fright, communication coaches can equip you with the tools to become a more effective and engaging speaker.

5. How do speech pathologists help with communication?

They help those with difficulty speaking by assessing and diagnosing communication disorders, creating personalized treatment plans, using therapy techniques, training family members, implementing assistive technology, and continuously monitoring and adjusting therapy.

Connected Speech Pathology leverages technology to provide high-quality speech therapy services remotely, ensuring accessibility and convenience for clients. By utilizing secure video conferencing platforms, they deliver personalized therapy sessions to individuals facing barriers to in-person appointments, such as geographical constraints, mobility issues, or busy schedules.

For years, Connected Speech Pathology has been at the forefront of telepractice, offering various services covering speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Our team of experienced speech-language pathologists employs evidence-based practices to create tailored treatment plans that meet each client's unique needs. Regular sessions, combined with ongoing monitoring and adjustments, ensure that clients make steady progress toward their goals.

At Connected Speech Pathology, our remote sessions get results! We keep clients engaged and motivated with positive outcomes and satisfaction. This is because we create a fun and productive therapy environment using interactive tools and resources.

Speech pathologists are vital healthcare professionals dedicated to improving communication and swallowing abilities in individuals of all ages. Their specialized training and compassionate care make a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.

Whether working in schools, hospitals, or private practices, speech pathologists contribute to better health, education, and quality of life for countless people worldwide.

About the Author

Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.

Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ( LSVT ) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.

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Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 20 June 2024

What Is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) & What Do They Do?

What does SLP stand for? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) diagnoses and treats issues related to speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. 1 For patients who struggle to communicate or swallow, these healthcare professionals help them to better engage with the world around them.

What is a speech pathologist’s career outlook? Read on to learn more about this exciting and promising field of work.

Table of Contents:

• What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?

Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?

What conditions do speech-language pathologists treat.

• Earn Your MS-SLP at USAHS

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

What is a speech-language pathologist? SLPs are communication specialists who treat speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders . 1

What does a speech pathologist do for their patients on a day-to-day basis? As part of their work, they may provide the following services : 2 , 1

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, voice and fluency disorders in children and adults
• Develop therapies to help patients improve their ability to swallow
• Identify treatment goals for patients
• Design and implement individualized treatment plans, including speech therapy activities , to help patients meet their treatment goals
• Provide aural rehabilitation for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Treatments may include : 2 , 1

• Teaching patients how to make sounds
• Helping patients improve their voices
• Training patients to maintain fluency when speaking
• Developing exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing
• Sharing vocabulary improvement strategies with patients
• Assisting patients with strategies to improve their sentence structure
• Demonstrating how to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to communicate

Speech-language pathologists may also spend time helping patients and their families navigate their disability and treatment options. 2 Many speech-language pathologists work as part of a larger healthcare team, including physicians and occupational therapists (OTs) or physical therapists (PTs).

What is a speech pathologist’s typical work environment? Speech-language pathologists often work in a variety of settings. The largest employers of speech-language pathologists were as follows:

What is a speech-language pathologist’s role in childhood development? Over half of SLPs work as a part of early intervention programs, preschools or K-12 schools. 3 , 4 In addition to the regular duties of a speech-language pathologist, they also develop individualized education programs (IEPs) and collaborate with other educators to ensure students are meeting their educational goals.

Healthcare settings for speech-language pathologists include the following : 4 , 5

• Assisted living facilities
• Private practices and clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care facilities
• Home health agencies

Some speech-language pathologists also work in corporate settings. 4   What is an SLP’s duty in such settings? They may work with employees on business speaking skills, such as presentation, accent modification or interviewing.

Local, state and federal government agencies hire speech-language pathologists for public health services. 4 The military also employs speech-language pathologists to work with service members and underserved populations.

If you don’t want to work in a clinical setting, you can pursue a role in research or teach at the college or university level. 1

With the high demand for speech-language pathologists, SLPs may work full- or part-time. 1

What is a speech-language pathologist’s role in treating various conditions? They provide solutions for a range of disorders caused by trauma, illness, developmental delays and medical events such as strokes . 2

Speech-language pathologists often treat speech disorders, including: 5

• Articulation disorders: Difficulty controlling muscle movements to create sound
• Phonological disorders: Sounds that are formed correctly in the muscles but don’t sound the way they should
• Resonance disorders: Disruption of sound waves due to conditions such as a cleft palate
• Speech impairments: Various conditions that make it difficult for a person to communicate and be understood, such as childhood apraxia of speech and stuttering

What do speech pathologists do to help patients improve? A speech-language pathologist may work with patients struggling with language disorders such as : 1 , 5

• Problems with receptive language (the ability to understand others)
• Problems with expressive language (the ability to share their ideas and feelings)
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Selective language impairment

Speech-language pathologists also treat social communication disorders , including any condition relating to verbal and nonverbal communication in social settings. 1 Individuals with autism or traumatic brain injuries also struggle with social communication disorders 5 , 1

Patients with cognitive communication disorders— often the result of stroke, traumatic brain injury or dementia —may also work with a speech-language pathologist. 1 These issues include difficulties with:

• Organizing thoughts
• Paying attention
• Remembering
• Problem-solving

Speech-language pathologists also treat swallowing disorders that may occur due to illness, surgery, stroke or injury. 1 , 5

Additionally, someone may seek treatment from a speech-language pathologist for issues related to the vocal cord, such as lesions and paralysis or for gender-affirming voice therapy. 5

Is this true, or is it more accurate to say: Individuals with autism or TBIs also struggle with social communication disorders.

Learn more about a career in speech-language pathology with answers to these common questions.

What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist, and How Do They Differ From a Speech Therapist?

When it comes to SLP meaning, a speech-language pathologist and a speech therapist are the same thing, but speech-language pathologist is the preferred term. 5

How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?

What is a speech pathologist typically earning per year? The median annual salary for a speech-language pathologist is $89,290 . 6 Your salary will depend on factors like your experience, location and industry.

What Specialties Are Available in Speech-Language Pathology?

What is a speech-language pathologist’s career outlook? There are four specialties available for speech-language pathologists : 7

• Child Language (BCS-CL) from the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders 8
• Stuttering, Cluttering and Fluency Disorders (BCS-SCF) from the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders 9
• Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) from the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders 10
• Intraoperative Monitoring (BCS-IOM) from the American Audiology Board of Intraoperative Monitoring 11

Requirements vary based on the type of specialty but generally involve an exam, portfolio review or interview to assess your skills and expertise in the specialty area.

What Is the Role of a Speech Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. 1 What is a speech pathologist’s main responsibility? They work with patients of all ages to develop personalized treatment plans that address issues such as speech articulation, language comprehension, and social communication skills.

Want to know more about our SLP program?

Earn your ms-slp with usahs.

“Having practiced with all this technology, I was so much more prepared for my job than my coworkers who went to other schools. I knew just what to do on my first day and now I’m teaching my coworkers about what I learned.”

– Bethany W., USAHS MS-SLP Alum

What is an SLP rewarded with as a result of their hard work? There are many benefits to being a speech-language pathologist , including an impressive salary, job security and the opportunity to make a difference in patient lives.

Pursue your dream of becoming a speech-language pathologist at t he University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS). Our hybrid online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program allows students to take classes online and still engage in hands-on experience.

The USAHS program takes about five trimesters with three different intake dates (spring, summer and fall) to allow for flexibility.*

Our program does not require a GRE, and you’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology and virtual and in-person clinical practicum opportunities, including a pro-bono clinic.

Talk with an enrollment advisor and apply today .

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology { residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; both distance education } at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Speech-Language Pathologists,” ASHA , 2024, https://www.asha.org/students/speech-language-pathologists/ .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: What Speech-Language Pathologists Do,” BLS , April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Work Environment,” BLS , April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-3 .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Employment Settings for SLPs,” ASHA , 2024, https://www.asha.org/students/employment-settings-for-slps/ .
• Cleveland Clinic, “Speech-Language Pathologist,” Cleveland Clinic , January 12, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24602-speech-language-pathologist .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Pay,” BLS , April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5 .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Clinical Specialty Certification,” ASHA , 2024, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-specialty-certification/ .
• American Board of Child Language & Language Disorders, “Applying for Specialty Certification,” ABCLLD , 2021, https://www.childlanguagespecialist.org/applicants/
• American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, “BCS-SCF Candidates,” American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders , 2024, https://www.stutteringspecialists.org/candidates .
• American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, “Requirements for Applicants,” ABSSD , https://www.swallowingdisorders.org/page/Requirements .
• American Audiology Board of Intraoperative Monitoring, “Membership Application,” AABIOM , 2018, https://www.aabiom.com/application .

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More Speech-Language Pathology SLP Articles

Master’s in Communication Disorders: 2024 Ultimate Guide

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Unveiling the Future: Dr. Elisabeth McGee Shares How USAHS is Uniquely Harnessing the Power of AI

Upcoming speech-language pathology slp events.

Doctor of Education (EdD) Webinar - September 4 | USAHS

Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Webinar - September 10 | USAHS

Occupational Therapy Programs (OTD, OTD Flex, MOT, & MOT Flex) - Admissions Webinar - September 16 | USAHS

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