Life As a Speech-Language Pathologist

Example of a 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?

• 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.
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• 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.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Related Job Titles

• Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped
• Oral Therapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Speech and Language Clinician

Is There Job Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 145,100 jobs in the United States for Speech-Language Pathologists.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.8% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,900 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathologists are Texas, New York, and California.

Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists Make between $48,690 and $120,060 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $77,510.

How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
New Jersey	$95,000
District of Columbia	$93,570
California	$93,510
Connecticut	$92,280
Colorado	$90,980
New York	$90,820
Oregon	$87,610
Virginia	$86,090
Massachusetts	$85,720
Maryland	$84,960
Alaska	$83,620
Oklahoma	$81,700
Delaware	$81,440
Wyoming	$80,470
Rhode Island	$80,450
Pennsylvania	$79,530
Utah	$78,840
Michigan	$78,220
Ohio	$78,200
Missouri	$77,790
Georgia	$77,730
Nevada	$77,620
Tennessee	$77,140
Illinois	$77,120
Florida	$76,820
Hawaii	$76,330
Iowa	$76,020
Texas	$75,800
Minnesota	$75,590
North Carolina	$75,310
New Mexico	$74,800
Idaho	$74,740
Arizona	$74,710
Indiana	$73,780
Arkansas	$73,660
New Hampshire	$73,630
Vermont	$73,550
Washington	$73,220
Kentucky	$72,440
South Carolina	$71,600
Louisiana	$71,270
Alabama	$71,240
Wisconsin	$70,560
Kansas	$70,280
Nebraska	$69,110
North Dakota	$67,340
Maine	$65,540
Montana	$64,580
Mississippi	$64,560
West Virginia	$61,070
South Dakota	$58,860

What Tools do Speech-Language Pathologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathologists:

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

Individuals working as Speech-Language Pathologists have obtained the following education levels:

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

Where Speech-Language Pathologists Are Employed

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Speech-Language Pathologist may also be interested in:

• Recreational Therapists
• Mental Health Counselors
• Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons