How Much Does a Speech Pathologist Make?

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Speech pathologists evaluate patient communication and swallowing problems and create treatment plans for them. They often work with patients to strengthen and treat the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. The road to becoming a speech pathologist can take up to six years. Speech-language pathologists need a master’s degree and state licensure to practice. Considering the median annual salary of speech-language pathologists was $89,290 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) this profession may be well worth the time and effort to pursue, especially if you are interested in helping people communicate, eat, and live healthy lives.Read on to learn more about the earning potential of speech pathologists.

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The BLS projects speech pathologist jobs will grow 18% between 2023-2033, which is much faster than the national average job growth rate of 4%. The top 10% of speech pathologist salaries is $129,930, or $62.50 an hour. On the other end of the salary spectrum, the lowest 10% of earners make $57,910 a year, or $27.80 an hour. Depending on their employer, speech pathologists can get bonuses for signing on, holding certifications, and relocating. Speech pathologists with more experience are usually paid more than those newer to the career.

Speech pathologist salaries vary by state according to their demand, population and demographics, cost of living, and minimum wage. The states where speech pathologists can make the most are New Jersey, Hawaii, Colorado, D.C., and California. Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, North Dakota, and West Virginia are the lowest-paying states.

Source: BLS

Gaining more certifications and experience or relocating to a high-demand area or field can potentially raise your salary as a speech pathologist.

Learning new or advanced skills and gaining a specialization certificate to demonstrate your capability can potentially increase your salary. You can consider becoming certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and board-certified specialist certifications.

Taking on mentoring roles, more paperwork, additional programming, or multilingual services can make you eligible to earn more. Be sure to have this extra work approved by your boss, and document what additional tasks you adopt. Management roles, in particular, can help you boost your salary.

Seeking work in a high-demand industry, such as healthcare, can increase your salary. Speech pathologists, who work in healthcare, tend to make more than those that work in other fields like education. If you can, consider relocating to a state where speech pathologists are paid more, such as California, Colorado, or Hawaii.

Salary negotiation is critical to getting paid what you need and deserve. To do this, gather evidence to demonstrate your worth — such as past accomplishments or certifications — and then meet with your manager to discuss a raise.

Speech pathologists with more experience tend to get paid more. By having more patients, taking on leadership roles, or completing internships or fellowships, you can gain the experience needed to grow your salary. Keep track of every new skill learned and accomplishment achieved so you can show your employer.