What You Need to Know About Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist Definition 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.
Daily Life Of a Speech-Language Pathologist
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Speech-Language Pathologists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Other Speech-Language Pathologist Job Titles
- Language Pathologist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Voice Pathologist
- Speech Pathologist
- Speech/Language Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 145,100 jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,900 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
The typical yearly salary for Speech-Language Pathologists is somewhere between $48,690 and $120,060.

Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $71,240 |
Alaska | $83,620 |
Arizona | $74,710 |
Arkansas | $73,660 |
California | $93,510 |
Colorado | $90,980 |
Connecticut | $92,280 |
Delaware | $81,440 |
District of Columbia | $93,570 |
Florida | $76,820 |
Georgia | $77,730 |
Hawaii | $76,330 |
Idaho | $74,740 |
Illinois | $77,120 |
Indiana | $73,780 |
Iowa | $76,020 |
Kansas | $70,280 |
Kentucky | $72,440 |
Louisiana | $71,270 |
Maine | $65,540 |
Maryland | $84,960 |
Massachusetts | $85,720 |
Michigan | $78,220 |
Minnesota | $75,590 |
Mississippi | $64,560 |
Missouri | $77,790 |
Montana | $64,580 |
Nebraska | $69,110 |
Nevada | $77,620 |
New Hampshire | $73,630 |
New Jersey | $95,000 |
New Mexico | $74,800 |
New York | $90,820 |
North Carolina | $75,310 |
North Dakota | $67,340 |
Ohio | $78,200 |
Oklahoma | $81,700 |
Oregon | $87,610 |
Pennsylvania | $79,530 |
Rhode Island | $80,450 |
South Carolina | $71,600 |
South Dakota | $58,860 |
Tennessee | $77,140 |
Texas | $75,800 |
Utah | $78,840 |
Vermont | $73,550 |
Virginia | $86,090 |
Washington | $73,220 |
West Virginia | $61,070 |
Wisconsin | $70,560 |
Wyoming | $80,470 |
What Tools & Technology do Speech-Language Pathologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Speech-Language Pathologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Apple Logic Pro
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Biofeedback software
- Speech analysis software
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist
Individuals working as a Speech-Language Pathologist have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Speech-Language Pathologists Are Employed

Speech-Language Pathologists work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Speech-Language Pathologist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Ghozt Tramp via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |