If you want to help people communicate better, overcome speech and language obstacles and improve their lives, a career in speech-language pathology may be right for you. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you will assess, diagnose and treat speech-related problems and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Finding a job that ignites your passion is key. Still, if you’re considering a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, how much you earn with a speech pathologist salary may be one of the top questions on your mind. Let’s review what you need to know about your earning potential as an SLP.
How Much Do Speech Pathologists Make?
Before diving into a speech language pathologist salary, you should learn what it takes to enter the field. To become an SLP, you need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field such as communication sciences and disorders (CSD)
- Ace your graduate school interview. Check out this list of SLP interview questions to prepare
- Earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
- Complete a clinical fellowship
- Pass the Praxis exam
- Get certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed in your state
Next, it’s time to start job hunting. What can you expect in terms of a speech language pathologist salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median speech therapist salary as of August 2024 is $89,290/year, or $42.93/hour.1
Some SLPs earn more than $89,000 annually, and some earn less. Your specific SLP salary will depend on several factors—one of which is experience.
Learn More About USAHS SLP Programs
Speech Pathologist Salary by Experience Level
SLPs with minimal experience tend to fall toward the lower end of the pay scale. However, the lowest 10% of SLP earners make around $57,910/year.2
Professional SLPs, or those in senior or supervisory roles, can earn upwards of six figures annually. The top 10% of earners make an average annual wage of $129,930.2
One way to gain more experience and increase earning potential is to pursue ASHA certification. Continuing education is required to maintain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
SLP Salary by State
Other factors play a role in determining a speech pathologist salary with a master’s degree. Due to variations in demand, cost of living and funding for SLP positions in public schools, there’s potential for a higher speech therapist salary in some states.
The following states and districts are the top five highest-paying areas in terms of SLP salary in the U.S.:2
- California – In the Golden State, you can earn an annual mean speech pathologist salary of $112,030.
- District of Columbia – Work in D.C. and earn an average speech therapist salary of $111,110.
- Colorado – Expect to earn an annual speech language pathologist salary that’s around $107,780.
- Hawaii – Live in this Pacific archipelago and earn an average speech pathologist salary of $106,790.
- New Jersey – New Jersey–based practitioners have an average annual SLP salary of about $102,820.
In some regions where the cost of living is lower, you may earn a speech language pathologist salary that’s in the range of $75,630 to $85,330 per year.2 These areas that have lower salaries but high employment include:2
- Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
- North Texas Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
- North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
One of the best parts of working as an SLP is the transferability of your job. If you’re willing to relocate, you can apply your skills anywhere in the U.S. and seek a higher speech therapist salary.
Speech Language Pathologist Salary by Industry
Another benefit of pursuing an SLP career is the diversity of the field. Speech-language pathologists can find employment in various industries. Some industries pay more than others.
Based on annual mean wage, the top five industries with a high speech pathologist salary are:2
- Civic and Social Organizations: $130,620
- Home Health Care Services: $121,410
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $112,110
- Child Care Services: $109,110
- Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities): $108,640
The takeaway is that, with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, you can decide where your SLP career will take you. Whether you want to work in an educational, clinical or corporate setting, you have diverse opportunities.
Are Speech-Language Pathologists in Demand?
Speech-language pathology offers personal and financial rewards. The demand for speech-language pathologists is growing much faster than the average profession.
Between 2023 and 2033, the employment of SLPs is projected to increase by 18%, with the addition of 33,300 new jobs.1 With an aging U.S. population, the need for new SLPs stems from two factors:3
- Practitioner retirement – As experienced SLPs retire from the workforce, recent graduates are taking their place.
- Increased support for elderly populations – Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are among the largest employers of SLPs. As more and more Baby Boomers move into retirement homes, the demand for SLPs is rising.
Ultimately, the BLS expects 13,700 new SLP positions to open each year between now and 2033.3 There’s never been a better time to pursue an MS-SLP and earn a promising speech pathologist salary.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. Designed for working students, the MS-SLP is an online program with 1x per term, 3-day on-campus lab residencies at USAHS Austin, Dallas, San Marcos or St. Augustine (terms 1-4). The program offers three intakes per year, starting in January, May and September. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn alongside the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of patients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech therapy.
For students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than communications sciences and disorders (CSD) or SLP and for students with a CSD or SLP degree whose undergraduate program did not include the required leveling coursework, we offer SLP leveling courses for completing the necessary prerequisites to enter the graduate program.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos, CA; satellite St. Augustine, FL; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Summary,” BLS, August 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023,” BLS, April 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291127.htm#st.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Job Outlook,” BLS, August 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-6.
