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Speech-Language Pathologist

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What You Need to Know About Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupation Description 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.

Life As a Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
  • Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
  • 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.
  • Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
  • Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
  • Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.

Things a Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know How to Do

When polled, Speech-Language Pathologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

  • Speech Therapist
  • Speech and Language Specialist
  • Speech Correction Consultant
  • Educational Speech-Language Clinician
  • Speech and Language Clinician

Is There Job Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?

Speech-Language Pathologists make between $48,690 and $120,060 a year.

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Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make 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

Tools & Technologies Used by Speech-Language Pathologists

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

How do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Learn what Speech-Language Pathologist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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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 thinking about becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist might also be interested in the following careers:

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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