What You Need to Know About Speech-Language Pathologist
Example of Speech-Language Pathologist Job 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.
What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
- 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.
- Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
- Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
Things a Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Speech-Language Pathologists say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Voice Pathologist
- Communication Specialist
- Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech and Language Clinician
- Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped
Speech-Language Pathologist Employment Estimates
There were about 145,100 jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Do Speech-Language Pathologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Speech-Language Pathologists ranges between about $48,690 and $120,060 a year.
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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathologists:
- 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 to Become 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?
Who Employs Speech-Language Pathologists?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
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.
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