Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide

Speech-language pathologists work with clients of all ages to overcome communication disorders like aphasia and stuttering. This career path is in high demand with 7.7% of children and 7.6% of adults in the United States experiencing disorders. Employers need an influx of pathologists in response to the expected 19% job growth by 2032.

Strong demand for a specialized skillset means competitive salaries for practitioners. Salaries for speech-language pathologists vary based on where they work but far exceed the national average for all careers. If you are thinking about this career path, start by considering what pathologists do and the potential return on your educational investment.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

Speech-language pathologists evaluate patients for physical and psychological limitations on communication. They also work with people who suffer from swallowing disorders and cognitive-communication disorders common after strokes or brain injuries. SLPs provide treatment and support for individuals with communication disorders and their caregivers. Examples might include:

• Modeling correct articulation of for speech sounds
• Supporting use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems with non-speaking individuals
• Developing therapy programs to foster improved communication in patients who have experienced a stroke
• Assisting families to safely feed medically fragile infants

Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?

Professionals in this career path collaborate with doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers on patient care. Ninety-one percent of respondents to a 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) survey were employed full-time. In addition to early intervention and homecare, common workplaces for speech-language pathologists include:

• Pre-K and K-12 schools and universities (42%)
• Primary care and audiologist offices (25%)
• Hospitals (14%)
• Residential care facilities (4%)

How Can I Prepare for a Speech-Language Pathologist Career?

The entry-level degree for speech-language pathologists across the country is a master’s degree. Aspiring pathologists learn how to evaluate, diagnose, and treat disorders across age groups through coursework and clinical experiences. The building blocks for this career include a background in undergraduate courses on topics like:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Social Science
• Statistics
• Speech, language, and hearing

Graduates of speech-language pathologist programs then apply for licensure in their state of practice. Explore ASHA’s State-by-State page to learn about the licensure requirements in your state.

How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?

The return on investment for this career path is good based on recent salary data. The BLS found that the median salary for speech-language pathologists was $84,140 per year in 2022. This figure far surpasses the $46,310 median salary for all occupations in the same year.

Speech-language pathologist salaries can vary significantly based on their workplaces. Practitioners in residential care facilities earn well above the median for their profession at $101,320 per year. The BLS also found SLPs in hospitals ($96,830) and physicians’ offices ($93,600) exceeded the median salary.

The Impact of Location on Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries

Speech-language pathologists may earn more than their counterparts based on geographical location. For example, a 2023 ASHA survey found that SLPs in the Mountain and Pacific time zones earned the most of all regions at $96,500 per year. Practitioners earned more in urban ($88,000) and suburban ($87,000) settings than in rural ($80,000) workplaces.

Experience Matters in Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries

Median salaries for speech-language pathologists significantly increase based on years of experience. Early-career SLPs with less than three years on the job earned a median salary of $74,000 per year. ASHA found higher median salaries for the following experience levels:

• Years 7-9 ($85,000)
• Years 13-15 ($92,000)
• Years 19-21 ($98,000)
• Years 28-30 ($104,000)

SLPs with supervisory responsibilities also reported salaries far above the median. ASHA determined that supervisors with patient-care responsibilities averaged $100,000 per year. Administrators who did not see patients in 2023 earned a median salary of $113,000 per year.

Why Choose a Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists often look beyond salary in choosing their career path. Practitioners may have been inspired by the care provided for friends and family members with communication disorders. Additional motivations for speech-language pathology careers include:

• Desire to help specific age groups or demographics in clinical settings
• Interest in specific disorders sparked by undergraduate courses
• Mentoring by professors or supervisors in other clinical roles

Another reason to choose a career in speech-language pathology is the satisfaction of helping people struggling with communication. Pathologists may develop close relationships with patients and their families over months or years of care. Each session also offers the opportunity for patient improvement, which may not be the case for other clinical careers.

To make the most of your speech-language pathology career, you’ll want to start by earning a master’s degree from a leading university. A graduate program with an innovative approach provides a solid foundation for your career. You can build the skills necessary for success in this profession at Ithaca College.

How Does Ithaca College Prepare Speech-Language Pathologists?

Ithaca College’s Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is designed for working professionals. The Online MS can be completed in three years of part-time study without setting foot in a classroom. Students complete clinical experiences close to home thanks to free placement services during their enrollment.

This degree program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA). Faculty with clinical experience prepare students for licensure and career success with a 53-credit curriculum. Coursework covers the range of topics covered by pathologists, including:

• Adult Aphasia and Related Disorders
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Language Disorders in Children 3-21

The Online MS is built on a century of speech-language pathology education at Ithaca College. Students also benefit from the College’s strong regional reputation during and after their enrollment. U.S. News & World Report ranked Ithaca College among the North’s best in the following categories:

• No. 2 in Most Innovative Schools
• No. 13 in Regional Universities North
• No. 16 in Best Value Schools