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Speech-Language Pathologist

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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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Speech-Language Pathologists Are Employed

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Speech-Language Pathologists work in the following industries:

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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.

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