Speech-Language Pathologists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Median pay: $97,870/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +15% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.
About 13,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
What's the median pay for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The median pay for Speech-Language Pathologists is $97,870 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists?
Employment for Speech-Language Pathologists is projected to change +15% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.
What education is typically required for Speech-Language Pathologists?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Speech-Language Pathologists?
About 13,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.