Speech Pathologist Salary Texas2
SLPs in texas earn salaries that fall in among the top 15 highest paying states, roughly $75,270 on average per year. The real attraction to becoming a speech pathologist in Texas, however, comes from the fact that employment for SLPs is growing at 27.1% one of the fastest rates in the entire United States.
Some of the best locations within Texas to practice speech pathology include the Dallas metropolitan area and the Houston metropolitan area because of their higher than average salaries and employment opportunities.
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Are Speech Pathologists Rich
Almost nobody would consider SLPs rich based on their median income. Still, $79,060 is $33,300 more than the yearly median salary for all U.S. jobs combined, which can make for a comfortable living. But it’s worth noting that although SLPs earn more than the median rate for workers with bachelor’s degrees, their median salary is slightly lower than the median salary for all employees with master’s degrees.
How To Become A Speech Pathologist
There is a specific educational path that people go through to become Speech Language Pathologists. We have written a more detailed article here, but in general, these are the steps you need to follow to be qualified as a practicing SLP:
- Complete a Bachelors Degree in Communication Science Disorders or other field
- Graduate with a Masters Degree in CSD
- Complete a 36 week clinical fellowship
- Get good scores on the Praxis standardized exam
- Become certified and licensed by the American Speech Language Hearing Association
- Take Continuing Education Units to remain certified
What you have to keep in mind before you enroll in a university to become a Speech Language Pathologist is the following:
- Check whether the institution is accredited by ASHA
- Research graduation rates and Praxis exam average scores
- Look at what alumni are doing with the degree
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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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Where Do Speech Language Pathologists Earn The Most
The salary you earn as SLP varies depending on what region youre working and living in. Those with travel contracts can expect to earn more in states with higher average salaries.
According to Vivians salary information, the weekly wages for travel speech language pathologists in the top 10 highest-paying states in late October 2022 included the following:
- Illinois: $2,051
Looking at other markets, travel SLPs tend to earn slightly less than in these states. For example, SLPs working in Utah made an average of $1,747 per week in late October 2022, which was 14% below the national average. Georgia-based SLPs earned an average of $1,764, or 13% below the U.S. average. Meanwhile, the average in Rhode Island was slightly higher but still less than the national average by 9% at $1,826 per week.
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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Job Description For Speech And Language Pathologist
Speech and Language Pathologist assesses and treats speech and language disorders and impairments. Conducts evaluations of an individual’s speech and language skills using relevant diagnostic materials and tools. Being a Speech and Language Pathologist develops treatment plans that utilize appropriate intervention approaches, strategies, and materials. Establishes treatment priorities that include advising, educating, and counseling. Additionally, Speech and Language Pathologist completes required documentation to record assessment and progress. Collaborates with physicians, family members, and other clinical providers to provide effective therapies. May direct support staff in assisting with treatment. Requires a master’s degree in speech pathology or equivalent. Requires ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and applicable State License to Practice. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Speech and Language Pathologist‘s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position’s specialty is the main requirement. … View full job description
Speech Pathologist Vs Speech Therapist
Many people wonder what the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist is. In essence, there is no difference. Speech pathologist or speech language pathologist is the correct word for this occupation since it encompasses the duties and responsibilities that they do.
People use the title of speech therapist only because it is easy, but in fact this title only refers to one part of the SLP job description, since they do so much more than just deal with speech problems as seen above.
However, it is not wrong to refer to a Speech Language Pathologist as a Speech Therapist, as long as you understand that there is much more to an SLP than just treating speech disorders.
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States With The Highest Demand
The demand for SLPs and the availability of speech language pathologist jobs often varies based on the part of the country where youre employed. Although some states may have limited job openings available in the field, others have a high demand for new and experienced therapists in settings such as schools, clinics, hospitals and long-term care facilities.
According to BLS data, the states where demand for SLPs is the highest are:
Coincidentally, two of these states are also noted for paying some of the highest speech language pathologist salaries nationwide.
What Is A Speech Language Pathologist
There are basically five types of disorders with which SLPs work:
- Cognitive Communication Disorders happen when there is an internal problem due to, for example brain injury, which means that the person cannot properly plan, remember, organize thoughts etc.
- Language Disorders occur when people cannot express themselves properly or have problems understanding what others are saying. These can be either in speaking or writing form.
- Speech Disorders are present when the person has difficulty producing speech sounds, articulating, or is not fluent enough.
- Social Communication Disorders mean that the person is encountering problems with using language in social settings, either in the form of speaking or non-verbal communication.
- Swallowing Disorders might be present when a person has trouble swallowing or eating.
SLPs treat all of these disorders, more specifically, problems related to:
- when it is difficult to attain the coordination and movements to speak
- Articulation how we say the words we speak
- Expressive Language when someone has problems expressing themselves
- Fluency how our speech flows
- Hearing problems which can be treated by learning sign language, lip reading etc.
- Oral-Motor Disorders problems related to the muscles and parts of the mouth
- Phonology the patterns of speech
- Pragmatic Language issues with communicating socially
- Receptive Language when it is difficult for someone to understand language
- Swallowing or Feeding problems
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What Is The Typical Speech Language Pathologist Salary
The average speech language pathologist salary varies depending on whether your contract is permanent or travel-based. While Vivian has limited salary data regarding permanent contracts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates that the median annual wage for this profession was $79,060 as of May 2021, which equates to a little more than $1,520 per week.
Those who obtain travel contracts have the potential to earn a higher weekly salary. According to our data, travel speech language pathologists earned an average of $1,980 per week in late October 2022, with those in some states making even more.
Finding Speech Language Pathologist Jobs

Vivian can help you find speech language pathologist jobs in markets across the United States. Use the Vivian job search tool to seek permanent speech language pathologist jobs and travel SLP jobs in your desired location and connect directly to recruiters. Vivians job postings also let you quickly access details such as potential salary, bonuses, schedules and employers for jobs in your city and state and across the nation.
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Speech Pathologist Career Outlook
There is an expected growth in the field of speech pathology for professional of 18 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the major factors that cause a rising need for speech professionals include: a large population of older adults from the baby boomer generation, improved knowledge and awareness of speech problems in children, and medical advances in general.
As the average growth in employment between 2016 and 2026 for all occupations is 7%, it bodes well for those interested or entering the field of speech pathology that the need for SLPs is greatly outpacing this figure.
Three Reasons To Choose Iu South Bend
Youll get a holistic education
The speech-language pathology curriculum gives you experience working with students from many other healthcare programs, including nursing, occupational therapy, social work, education, and more.
As a result, youll graduate with the collaborative skills youll need to succeed in the clinical environment.
Youll learn while giving back
Youll work to build your clinical skills in community-based practicums.
Youll learn alongside speech-language pathologists in education and medical settings, getting real world experience while helping to improve the quality of life for people in our area.
Youll graduate with an Indiana University degree
Indiana Universitys speech-language pathology graduates are in demandboth in our region and across the country.
As an IU South Bend graduate, youll join their ranks, gaining access to a network of thousands of speech-language pathologists living and working around the world.
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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.
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What Is The Highest Paid Speech Pathologist
Medical SLPs make the most money in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. What’s more, SLPs with years of seniority earn relatively high wages in managerial roles compared to those who are strictly service providers. It stands to reason that a supervising SLP in a nursing home or care facility would be near the top of the possible pay scale for speech-language pathology.
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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.
Skills That Speech Pathologists Need
There are a number of skills that speech pathologists need to succeed in their roles, including:
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Communication: Speech pathologists need to be able to communicate with patients, their families and other appropriate parties about diagnoses and treatment plans.
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Compassion: They must be able to offer emotional support to their patients and the families with whom they work, as their patients often exhibit frustration over their limitations.
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Detail-oriented: Speech pathologists must be able to listen closely to what their patients tell them in order to improve their speech.
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Critical thinking: Strong critical thinking skills are important to evaluate a patient’s condition and determine the most appropriate course of action for their treatment.
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Speech Language Pathologist Salary Guide
Speech language pathologists help children and adults assess and correct critical problems with their speech sounds and language. Several patient types benefit from working with SLPs, including language-delayed children, adults who lost their ability to speak after a brain injury or an illness and seniors who suffered a stroke or similar condition affecting their speech. These professionals also often help those with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, as a side effect of cancer or another illness.
In this guide, we discuss the average speech language pathologist salary in states across the United States and how you can increase your pay when working in this field.
Speech Language Pathologist Pay Faq

The national average salary for a Speech Language Pathologist is $85,948 per year in United States. Filter by location to see a Speech Language Pathologist salaries in your area. Salaries estimates are based on 11053 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Speech Language Pathologist employees.
The highest salary for a Speech Language Pathologist in United States is $126,616 per year.
The lowest salary for a Speech Language Pathologist in United States is $58,342 per year.
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Speech Pathologist State Snapshots
A large variety of factors might play a part in your decision on where to become a practicing speech pathologist. Your preferred location might be based on personal decisions like where you grew up, where you went to school, or where your family currently resides. It also might be financially motivated, based on where you have the best earning potential and a well-balanced cost of living.
With all of this in mind, Teach has put together a few state snapshots that feature some of the top states to become a speech pathologist based on earning potential and career outlook for the future. Included in the snapshots are average salaries, the percent of growth the career field will see in that state over the next 10 years, and the employment levels in the state.
Important Note: Enrolling in one of the featured programs below does not guarantee that you will earn the associated states average annual salary.
Path To Becoming A Speech Language Pathologist
The path to becoming a speech language pathologist may vary depending on your stateâs licensing requirements and if youâre planning to pursue certification or not. In general, speech language pathologists must earn their masterâs degree in speech pathology, pass the Praxis exam, and complete a clinical fellowship.
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Common Benefits For Speech
Benefits are extra incentives that employers provide for employees. Common benefits include partially subsidized health insurance, paid time off , and retirement plans. There’s no comprehensive data source on the benefits that SLPs typically receive, but we can make some strong assumptions based on the industries where they work.
Most educational and healthcare employers in the U.S. offer partially subsidized health insurance, which often also includes dental and vision coverage. Employers usually pay the bulk of the cost and employees shoulder a portion. The quality of these health plans differs some employers choose to pay for cheaper plans that offer higher deductibles and less coverage to insured people.
Most healthcare and school district employees also receive PTO and paid sick leave, though the amount varies by employer. It’s common for early-career employees to start a new job with two weeks of PTO, or 10 working days. If they work at the same place for years, they’ll most likely receive extra PTO days at some point. In general, public employees are more likely to get PTO and paid sick leave plans than employees of private firms.