Salary Of Speech Therapists By State
According to ASHA data, speech therapists make more money on average in certain states than in others. In 2018, California had the highest average compensation for SLPs working in schools, with $85,834 per year. Louisiana, on the other side, had the lowest average wage in the US, at $49,000. In general, academic wages in western states are higher, averaging about $80,000 per year.
Salary for speech therapists in health care settings is also greater in the western United States. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association , the average income for an SLP in 2019 was $85,000 in the western states and $73,520 in the Midwest.
These are the top-paying states for SLPs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics :
- Connecticuts annual salary is $101,410.
- $99,430 per year in the District of Columbia
- $96,770 per year in New York
- $95,710 per year in New Jersey
- $92,740 per year in California
As of 2019, these are the states with the greatest concentration of speech therapy employment and salaries:
- Arkansas pays $74,360 a year.
- $92,580 per year in Colorado
- $95,710 per year in New Jersey
- $96,770 per year in New York
- Delawares annual salary is $83,690.
Average Pay For Speech
For 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median speech language pathologist salary as $79,120. Speech-language pathologists are employed in a variety of settings in addition to schools, and pay can be higher than average. Median salaries for speech-language pathologists in nursing and residential care facilities was $95,250. Speech-language pathologists earned median salaries of $85,420 in hospitals and $83,550 in the offices of audiologists and of physical, occupational and speech therapists.
The First Step Into A Promising Slp Career
Speech-language pathologists enjoy high salaries, robust job growth, and numerous avenues for career growth. If you believe that becoming an SLP is the right move for you, the first step toward breaking into the field is to complete a related masters degree, such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
When selecting a program to enroll in, there are several factors to consider, including the quality of the facilities, whether or not the faculty consists of individuals with experience in the field, and clinical placement opportunities.
Students enrolled in the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program at Northeastern complete their initial clinical training in the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center to develop competence in the foundation skills they will use throughout their careers. Faculty members are active in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, in addition to being world-renowned researchers contributing to the progression of the discipline.
Students must complete a total of four clinical courses, gaining the hands-on experience that they will need to be successful in the field. Once the first semester of clinical training is completed at the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center, the following semesters include Advanced Clinical Programming at the Center along with off-campus work in community-based hospitals, clinics, educational facilities, etc.
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Job Growth & Future Expectations
The BLS projects that employment growth in the area of speech-language pathology will be 27 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much greater than the national average.
SLPs will be required in greater numbers throughout the nation to help with the aging baby boomer generation and the growing number of young children with speech impairments.
Increased demand for speech therapists is also due to rising autism prevalence throughout the nation. SLPs often work with autistic children to help them improve their speech and social skills.
What Do Speech Therapists Do

Social skills are a must for speech therapists, since this job demands that they know a lot about why people do the things they do. Speech therapists usually must have a masters degree in speech therapy, as well as a state license to administer therapy. Speech therapists must be able to work with people from all walks of life, such as individuals with learning disabilities, trauma victims, and others with speech-related issues.
Speech therapists need to be compassionate and open-mindedRead more
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How To Become A Speech Therapist
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Becoming a speech therapist is a rewarding career path for people who want a stable job that allows them to serve their communities by helping individuals lead healthier and happier lives. Any person who experiences speech disorder, language development, or even swallowing disorders will most likely be referred to a speech therapist for treatment.
The ability to communicate is a critical and fundamental part of everyday life. As a speech language therapist, you can have an extraordinary impact on peoples lives by helping them overcome communication challenges.
If youre interested in the field of speech therapy, this guide will lay out everything you need to know about how to become a speech therapist.
Shopping For Becoming A Speech Therapist
- The admissions process here is quite competitive since many programs require students to have an undergraduate degree in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders, or a related undergraduate degree with sufficient coursework in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders.
- The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers information on how to choose an academic program and offers a search tool for schools that offer speech-language pathology programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.
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How Much Does Becoming A Speech Therapist Cost
$Tuition & Fees, Public Schools: $18,000-$75,000+ | $$Tuition & Fees, Private Schools: $50,000-$90,000+ | $$$Total Costs: $50,000-$135,000+ |
Officially named speech-language pathologists, the speech therapists not only diagnose but also treat communication and swallowing disorders, which might be a result from a variety of causes such as but not limited to learning disabilities and stroke, developmental delays or disorders like autism, cerebral palsy, and cleft palate, hearing loss or emotional problems.
The speech therapists usually work in healthcare facilities, schools, or patients homes, and the jobs require a masters degree.
What Does A Speech Pathologist Do
Speech pathologists help people of all ages with communication disorders. Common roles of an SLP include helping patients with rehabilitation needs due to conditions impacting speech, hearing, or communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists also help children or adults with speech fluency and vocalization challenges.
Some speech pathologists specialize in audiology and work with the hard of hearing, assisting them with hearing rehabilitation or speech challenges that resulted from hearing loss or deafness.
Specific roles include working in SLP research and science, diagnosing and assessing speech conditions and disorders, and providing speech therapy directly to patients.
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Average Pay For Teachers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks data and makes projections for most civilian occupations. As of 2019, the BLS reported that the median pay for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $59,420 a year. Median pay means that half in the profession earned more, while half earned less. The BLS reported that middle school teachers earned a median salary of $59,660 annually during the same period, while high school teachers earned a median salary of $61,660.
Self Employed Speech Therapist 1
Although many settings have a need for certified speech pathologists, it is also possible to be self-employed as an SLP. Many speech therapists will travel to their patients homes directly and work with them there- a comfortable and familiar setting. This is a great option for SLPs who wish to work part-time which, according to the BLS, one out of every for speech pathologists did in 2016.
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How Much Does A Speech Therapy Assistant Make
Speech therapy assistants make $35,140 per year on average, or $16.89 per hour, in the United States. Speech therapy assistants on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $21,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $57,000.
Location impacts how much a speech therapy assistant can expect to make. Speech therapy assistants make the most in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
Is Becoming A Speech Pathologist Worth It

Yes, getting a graduate degree in speech-language pathology is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 25% job growth for speech-language pathologists through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Common careers in this field include speech language pathologist and speech therapist, audiologist, occupational therapist, and occupational therapy assistant. Becoming a certified speech-language pathologist can open doors to well-paying job opportunities in a rapidly growing, in-demand field.
As a qualified speech language pathologist or speech therapist, you may pursue job opportunities in schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, research institutes, and community health organizations. So, a number of professionals find that speech pathology is worth it as a career.
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Speech Pathology Careers & Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone interested in speech language pathology careers can pursue many job opportunities by specializing in SLP. Graduates may also prepare for similar jobs in related fields, such as physical therapist, health educator, or special education teacher.
Careers | |
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $59,420 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides | $59,200 |
Health Educators and Community Health Workers | $46,910 |
Certified speech-language pathologists can pursue many well-paid jobs in diverse settings, so its possible that you may find the right role for your professional interests and goals.
Speech Pathologist Salary By Work Environment
The work environment, just like ones location, can have a direct influence on the salary potential for speech therapists. For example, the BLS reports that speech pathologists who practice in schools earn, on average, $66,960 annually $26,150 less per year than the average annual salary of SLPs who work in nursing and residential care facilities.
Although it should be no means dictate the work environment you enter as a speech therapy professional, it is yet another factor to consider when narrowing down your career options within the umbrella of speech pathology. Weve compiled information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the various fields in speech-language pathology, saturation of each type of employment and its related salary.
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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How Much Tax Will You Have To Pay As A Speech Therapist
For an individual filer in this tax bracket, you would have an estimated average federal tax in 2018 of 22%. After a federal tax rate of 22% has been taken out, Speech Therapists could expect to have a take-home pay of $66,871/year, with each paycheck equaling approximately $2,786*.
* assuming bi-monthly pay period. Taxes estimated using tax rates for a single filer using 2018 federal and state tax tables. Metro-specific taxes are not considered in calculations. This data is intended to be an estimate, not prescriptive financial or tax advice.
A Guide To Slp Salaries In All 50 States
Learn more about the earning power of SLPs in your state by checking out the following BLS salary stats for SLPs in the 50th-90th percentiles:
Salary and employment data compiled by the United States Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2019. Figures represent accumulated data for all employment sectors in which speech-language pathologists work. BLS salary data represents average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries.
Salary and employment data compiled by ASHAs 2020 SLP Healthcare Survey. Figures represent accumulated data for all employment sectors in which speech-language pathologists work. This data does not represent starting salaries.
All salary and employment data accessed September 2020.
Understand how to become a professional, certified speech pathologist by learning more about the following online programs. Through these Masters degree tracks, youll be able to gain the knowledge base and credentials to deliver proactive, direct care. Discover more about your future in speech pathology today.
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Quality Of Life For Speech Therapist
With a take-home pay of roughly $5,573/month, and the median 2BR apartment rental price of $2,506/mo**, a Speech Therapist would pay 44.97% of their monthly take-home salary towards rent.
** This rental cost was derived according to an online report at Apartment List*** Average cost of living was acquired from Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index
What Does A Speech Therapist Do
Before getting into the details of speech therapist education and other speech therapist requirements, its important to find out exactly what speech therapists do on a daily basis. Youll want to know exactly what the job entails before you invest time and money into pursuing a career in speech therapy.
Because speech therapists typically meet one-on-one with their patients, its a role that requires strong interpersonal skills. So what does a speech therapist do exactly? During these one-on-one sessions, speech therapists commonly perform one or more of the following treatments:
- Help patients strengthen swallowing muscles with exercises for the lips, tongue, and throat
- Demonstrate speech exercises and breathing techniques to amplify the voice
- Help patients learn new words, develop better mental organization of language, and improve memory
- Teach patients speech alternatives and augmentations, such as finger spelling and picture communication
- Practice written language skills
- Put together comprehensive speech disorder treatment plans that patients can follow at home
Speech therapists work with both children as well as adults. Patients may have developmental speech problems, or may have congenital conditions like cerebral palsy and cleft lip. They may also have suffered a stroke or other brain injury that resulted in a loss of language. Other patients include transgender individuals who work with speech therapists to achieve their authentic voice.
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How To Become A Speech Pathologist
Home » How to Become a Speech Pathologist
Wondering how to become a speech pathologist?
As you fulfill the educational and licensing requirements for this career path, you may develop many needed skills in this field that can equip you to help others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts significant job growth for this field.
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With the right degree and certification, you can pursue well-paid jobs in diverse settings, such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and even research institutes.
Speech Therapist In Private Clinics1

Speech Therapists working in private clinics such as a nursing home or a resedential care facility will typically work to address and diagnose speech and swallowing disorders and work with patients directly over a length of time.
The average salary for speech therapists in nursing and residential care facilities, according to the BLS, is $93,110.
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How To Become A Speech Therapist: Steps To A Meaningful Career
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Communication is key to our existence as human beings. So whom do we turn to when our body or mind throws up roadblocks to successful communication? Speech-language pathologists are trained to address speech disorders and improve communication techniques for patients of all ages. With a speech language pathologists assistance and guidance, a patients quality of life can drastically improve through better social interaction, educational growth, and career opportunities. This post is a step-by-step guide to becoming a speech-language pathologist.
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Step 1: Undergraduate Degree
Obtaining your bachelors degree is a critical first step to becoming a speech-language pathologist. If possible, choose a major that relates to your career goals, such as communication sciences and disorders , psychology, education, linguistics, English, or language development.
Step 2: SLP Masters Degree
Prerequisites for acceptance into a masters program in speech-language pathology typically include:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Behavioral or social science
Related undergraduate majors, such as CSD, generally incorporate the required core classes needed to advance to graduate school. However, if you dont have the prerequisites, you will need to take SLP leveling courses before beginning your masters degree.
Step 3: Clinical Fellowship
Step 4: The Praxis Exam
Is It Hard To Become A Speech Pathologist
Becoming a speech pathologist means getting a masters degree in an accredited speech language pathology program. Sometimes an SLP will also pursue a PhD for additional specialization or to engage in more advanced research.
To graduate from your masters program, youll usually take foundational courses in speech language pathology to learn about common communication disorders and their diagnosis and treatments. You may also study audiology and the science of hearing and speech, including pediatric audiology, rehabilitation audiology, and communication science.
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Some courses are likely to include the study of neurology as it relates to speech while other courses may cover aphasia and voice disorders. Becoming a certified SLP also involves supervised internships, licensing examinations, and other licensing board requirements that can vary from state to state.
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What Are Top 5 Best Paying Related Speech Therapist Jobs In The Us
We found at least five jobs related to the Speech Therapist job category that pay more per year than a typical Speech Therapist salary. Top examples of these roles include: Pathologist, NICU Speech Pathologist, and NICU Speech Language Pathologist.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $15,014 and $193,647 more than the average Speech Therapist salary of $98,824. If youre qualified, getting hired for one of these related Speech Therapist jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Speech Therapist position.
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How Much Do Speech
Speech-language pathologists perform a range of duties to improve their patients lives and wellbeing. From evaluating patients to diagnosing speech, language, and swallowing disorders to creating and implementing treatment plans and more, SLPs play a critical role in the mental health and healthcare industries.
To become an SLP, an individual must complete a graduate-level degree , pass a national examination, and apply for licensure in the state they wish to practice. Together, these steps serve to demonstrate their future effectiveness in the role.
Clearly, becoming an SLP is no small feat. It takes dedication and an investment of time, effort, and money to earn the degree alone. It is for this reason that speech-language pathologists are well-rewarded for their work. In addition to the satisfaction that comes from working to improve the lives of their patients every day, speech-language pathologists also enjoy competitive salaries and significant job security.
Below, we examine the average salary that speech-language pathologists can expect to earn and discuss some of the factors that can influence this salary.
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