Speech-Language Pathologists

SOC code 29-1127 · O*NET-SOC 29-1127.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Speech-language pathology requires a master's degree, a clinical fellowship and a state licence — one of the longer preparation routes in healthcare. Schools are the largest employer, while medical settings pay the most.

Speech-Language Pathologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$97,870

a year

Hourly

$47.05

per hour

10th$62,900Median$97,87090th$134,160

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$98,170

$47.20 per hour

Middle 50%

$77,730 – $114,570

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$62,900 – $134,160

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

183,390

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $62,900; $30.24/hr
25th percentile: $77,730; $37.37/hr
Median percentile: $97,870; $47.05/hr
75th percentile: $114,570; $55.08/hr
90th percentile: $134,160; $64.50/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+15%

Growing much faster than average

187,400

jobs in 2024

215,500

projected for 2034

About 28,100 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a speech-language pathologist do?

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.

How to become a speech-language pathologist

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 89% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree89%
Post-Master's Certificate11%

Common questions

How much does a speech-language pathologist earn?

The national median is $97,870 a year. The full range runs from $62,900 at the 10th percentile to $134,160 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a speech-language pathologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is speech-language pathologist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 15% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Learning Strategies4.0/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.9/5
Education and Training4.2/5
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Psychology4.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
Administrative3.6/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.2/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Instructing.