5 Speech-Language Pathology Jobs
Want to work in healthcare without going to medical school? Allied health careers in speech-language pathology offer rewarding, high-paying career options where you’ll help people improve their quality of life.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work closely with people experiencing speech, language, and swallowing disorders. And that’s just one of the jobs you can get with a speech pathology degree. Keep reading to learn more about speech-language pathology jobs.
Featured Online Speech Pathology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Speech Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists treat people with speech and language disorders. As specialized allied health professionals, SLPs assess clients and develop individualized treatment plans. Depending on the client’s condition, they may emphasize functional needs, vocal techniques, or swallowing issues.
In order to become a speech pathologist, you’ll need a master’s degree in speech pathology. These two-year programs cover speech and language development, swallowing disorders, and augmentative communication. You’ll also gain hands-on clinical training and prepare for licensure.
Where Do Speech Pathologists Work?
Speech-language pathologists can find work in several industries, including in healthcare and educational settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 42% work in educational services, while 43% work in hospitals, clinics, and residential care facilities. A small number of SLPs are self-employed.
Top employers for speech-language pathology majors include:
- Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Private Practices in Offices and Clinics (Self-employed)
- Hospitals
- Nursing Care Facilities
In these environments, SLPs evaluate and treat speech and language disorders. They may also specialize in swallowing disorders.
5 Jobs You Can Do With a Speech Pathology Degree
Below are five professions dedicated to supporting communication needs. Additionally, we’ll examine how much you can make in each of the following roles.
1. Speech-Language Pathologist
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 19%
- Median Salary (May 2022): $84,140
- Minimum Education Required: Master’s degree
- License/Certification: Licensure is required; certification requirements vary by employer
Speech-language pathologists, also called SLPs or speech therapists, treat clients with speech, swallowing, voice, language, and fluency disorders. They conduct evaluations to create treatment plans. Many work in either healthcare or educational settings.
SLPs must have a master’s degree and a state-issued license. Master’s programs typically take two years and strengthen clinical knowledge and skills. Licensure requirements vary by state, so check with your state to learn more.
2. Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032):5-8%
- Median Salary (May 2022):$40,420
- Minimum Education Required: Associate degree
- License/Certification: Some employers may prefer or require certification
Speech-language pathology assistants help SLPs treat patients. Also called communication assistants, they implement programs and activities described in an SLP’s treatment plan. They also document client performance and progress. SLPs oversee assistants and assign them tasks and responsibilities.
Becoming a speech-language pathology assistant requires at least an associate degree. However, some SLP assistants hold a bachelor’s degree. You may need certification to qualify for some jobs.
3. Hearing Aid Specialist
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032):9%
- Median Salary (May 2022):$59,020
- Minimum Education Required: Associate degree
- License/Certification: Licensure is required
Hearing aid specialists help people who are hard of hearing select a hearing aid. They test hearing loss, recommend hearing instruments, and troubleshoot problems with the hearing aid.
Also known as hearing instrument specialists or hearing specialists, these professionals can enter their career with a two-year degree. You’ll explore ear anatomy and hearing aid technology during a hearing instrument degree. Working as a hearing aid specialist can prepare you for a career as an audiologist.
4. Interpreter
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032):4%
- Median Salary (May 2022):$53,640
- Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
- License/Certification: Employers may prefer or require certification
Interpreters translate messages from one language into another. Sign language interpreters, for example, translate spoken language into American Sign Language (ASL). A background in speech pathology may include training in ASL.
A career as an interpreter generally requires a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need to be fluent in more than one language. Sign language interpreters can pursue certification through the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
5. Special Education Teacher
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032):0% (little or no change)
- Median Salary for Postsecondary Teachers (May 2022):$62,950
- Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
- License/Certification: Licensure is required
Special education teachers work with children who have disabilities, including physical or learning disabilities that can impact their speech and language abilities. These teachers may work with students with speech delays, providing early intervention or special education services.
Careers in special education generally require a bachelor’s degree and licensure. In some states, special education teachers can pursue an endorsement in speech and language impairments.
Is Speech-Language Pathology a Good Career?
Speech-language pathology can be a great career if you want to work in healthcare. In addition to being a high-paying career, SLPs are in high demand, with 19% projected job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. Keep in mind that speech-language pathologists need a master’s degree.
You can also pursue other speech pathology careers that don’t require a graduate degree. SLP assistants and hearing aid specialists can enter the field with an associate degree. Experience in one of these careers can help you decide whether to continue your education.
Featured Online Speech Pathology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech-Language Pathology Jobs
Speech-language pathology assistants report a median salary of $40,420. The highest-paid SLP assistants earn $61,520. These allied health jobs require an associate degree, and they can be a good way to prepare for careers as a speech-language pathologist.
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