All About Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Job Description Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
A Day in the Life of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients’ performance information.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
- Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
- Document clients’ progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
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Skills Needed to be a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Below is a list of the skills most Speech-Language Pathology Assistants 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.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Speech - Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
- Speech Therapist
- Speech Pathology Assistant
- Speech Pathologist Assistant
- Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Job Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
In the United States, there were 97,300 jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,400 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by 2026. There will be an estimated 13,700 positions for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant per year.

The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant are Utah, Alaska, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Oklahoma, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Make?
The typical yearly salary for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants is somewhere between $23,210 and $56,230.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants who work in Delaware, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,290 |
Alaska | $45,830 |
Arizona | $41,210 |
Arkansas | $39,150 |
California | $44,820 |
Colorado | $33,600 |
Connecticut | $38,750 |
Delaware | $50,820 |
District of Columbia | $51,830 |
Florida | $38,690 |
Georgia | $41,430 |
Hawaii | $37,540 |
Idaho | $34,930 |
Illinois | $41,230 |
Indiana | $34,240 |
Iowa | $38,420 |
Kansas | $38,900 |
Kentucky | $38,570 |
Louisiana | $29,380 |
Maine | $34,580 |
Maryland | $39,820 |
Massachusetts | $40,690 |
Michigan | $30,980 |
Minnesota | $36,390 |
Mississippi | $37,330 |
Missouri | $42,800 |
Montana | $35,200 |
Nebraska | $38,470 |
Nevada | $43,110 |
New Hampshire | $32,410 |
New Jersey | $36,540 |
New Mexico | $39,210 |
New York | $37,380 |
North Carolina | $34,080 |
North Dakota | $37,830 |
Ohio | $38,330 |
Oklahoma | $40,710 |
Oregon | $41,890 |
Pennsylvania | $41,530 |
Rhode Island | $37,320 |
South Carolina | $42,860 |
South Dakota | $42,730 |
Tennessee | $35,030 |
Texas | $42,640 |
Utah | $37,720 |
Vermont | $41,660 |
Virginia | $41,860 |
Washington | $44,230 |
West Virginia | $43,770 |
Wisconsin | $35,100 |
Wyoming | $40,530 |
What Tools do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Biofeedback software
- Speech analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
How do I Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
What education is needed to be a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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