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The median annual wage for speech pathologists in the U.S. is $95,410, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But salaries can vary significantly, ranging from less than $60,480 to more than $132,850.
How much money you can make as a speech-language pathologist may depend on several factors, including the industry in which you work, the level of education you attain, and where you live.
Here’s a look at what speech pathologists do and how they are paid.
Key Points
• The median annual salary for speech pathologists in the U.S. is approximately $95,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Salaries can vary, ranging from about $60,000 for entry-level positions to over $130,000 for experienced or specialized roles.
• Speech pathologists can work in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices, each offering different salary potentials.
• Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.
• The job outlook for speech pathologists is strong, with a projected growth rate much faster than the average (15%) for all occupations.
What Is a Speech Pathologist?
Speech pathologists are health care providers who evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and adults who are experiencing communication difficulties because of speech, language, or voice problems. They also may treat clients who are struggling with developmental delays, memory issues, or who have trouble swallowing.
Speech pathologists typically work in a school, hospital, or rehabilitation/nursing home setting, or they may open their own practice. They often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that also provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other types of care.
All speech pathologists must be licensed. While the qualifications can vary by state, a master’s degree from an accredited university is often required, along with several hours of supervised clinical experience, a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and a passing grade on a state exam.
Depending on the work you plan to do, other certifications may be required by your employer, including a teaching certificate if you practice in an educational setting.
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How Much Do Starting Speech Pathologists Make a Year?
Speech-language pathologists earn an average of $95,410, with the lowest 10% earning less than $60,480. The states with the highest salaries include California, Colorado, New York, and Hawaii. Those that are employed in states with higher average salaries should earn more starting out than states that pay less-than-average.
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What Is the Average Salary for a Speech Pathologist?
So how much can you expect to make per year if you stay with a career as a speech pathologist? While the median salary is $95,410 ($43.87 hourly), the top 10% earn more than $132,850.
Several factors can have an impact on speech pathologists’ earnings, including job duties, the type of facility where they’re employed, if they work full- or part-time, if they’re paid a salary vs. hourly wage or on a per-visit basis, and whether they work in a region with a higher cost of living.
Here are the mean annual salaries for speech pathologists by state.
Mean Speech Pathologist Salary by State
| State | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,430 |
| Alaska | $99,080 |
| Arizona | $98,390 |
| Arkansas | $84,430 |
| California | $114,050 |
| Colorado | $114,410 |
| Connecticut | $103,460 |
| Delaware | $100,530 |
| Florida | $92,770 |
| Georgia | $91,960 |
| Hawaii | $107,040 |
| Idaho | $73,810 |
| Illinois | $87,940 |
| Indiana | $90,180 |
| Iowa | $85,230 |
| Kansas | $84,230 |
| Kentucky | $86,260 |
| Louisiana | $75,960 |
| Maine | $80,100 |
| Maryland | $98,120 |
| Massachusetts | $99,570 |
| Michigan | $84,330 |
| Minnesota | $82,020 |
| Mississippi | $78,270 |
| Missouri | $84,930 |
| Montana | $83,830 |
| Nebraska | $83,880 |
| Nevada | $100,440 |
| New Hampshire | $86,900 |
| New Jersey | $109,310 |
| New Mexico | $106,280 |
| New York | $111,640 |
| North Carolina | $89,980 |
| North Dakota | $73,950 |
| Ohio | $89,740 |
| Oklahoma | $87,210 |
| Oregon | $105,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $93,980 |
| Rhode Island | $100,400 |
| South Carolina | $88,410 |
| South Dakota | $69,230 |
| Tennessee | $83,200 |
| Texas | $94,850 |
| Utah | $83,640 |
| Vermont | $81,890 |
| Virginia | $96,180 |
| Washington | $103,040 |
| West Virginia | $85,410 |
| Wisconsin | $84,090 |
| Wyoming | $88,930 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
Speech Pathologists Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
If you decide speech pathology is the right fit for you, you may not need to worry about job security. The BLS is projecting that employment of speech pathologists will grow by 15% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Therapists are needed more than ever to assist aging baby boomers and others who’ve experienced a stroke, hearing loss, dementia, or other health-related issues. And there is an increasing need for those who wish to work with kids and adults on the autism spectrum. Therapists are also needed to help children overcome speech impediments and other communication issues.
Of course, the pay and benefits you receive will likely be tied to the job you choose. If you’re employed by a public school district in a rural community, for example, you may not earn as much as a department head at a large health facility in a major city. Still, you can expect to receive benefits similar to other workers in the health-care field, including health insurance, a retirement plan, vacation pay, etc.
According to the BLS, the median wages in the top industries were:
• Nursing and residential care facilities: $106,500
• Hospitals; state, local, and private: $101,560
• Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: $98,470
• Educational services; state, local, and private: $80,280
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Pros and Cons of a Speech Pathologist’s Salary
One big downside of choosing a career as a speech pathologist is the amount of time and money it can take just to get started. After getting your bachelor’s degree, it may take two or more years to complete your master’s degree and clinical training. Depending on the career path you choose, you also may need to earn certain certifications along with your state license to practice. And it may take some time to pay off your student debt.
On the plus side, you’ll be helping others in a career that can be extremely fulfilling, and you can earn a comfortable living while doing so.
Here are some more pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros:
• As a speech pathologist, you will be helping others and, in many cases, changing lives.
• You’ll be working and networking with other professionals who will allow you to continue learning.
• You may be able to design a schedule that fits your needs (especially if you have your own practice).
Cons:
• You may have an overwhelming caseload, and the work could be frustrating and stressful at times.
• You may have to work nights and weekends (even with a job in education or in private practice).
• The paperwork can be daunting and may require working overtime or taking work home to keep up.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
The median pay for speech pathologists is $95,410 per year, and the job outlook is highly positive, with 15% growth predicted over the next decade. How much you earn — especially when starting out — can depend on several factors, including the specialty you choose, who your employer is, and where you’re located.
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FAQ
Can you make $100,000 a year as a speech pathologist?
Yes. The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in the U.S. is $95,410, with the highest 10% of earners in this category making more than $132,850.
Do most speech pathologists enjoy their work?
Many speech pathologists find their work rewarding, as they help individuals improve communication and oral function. The satisfaction of seeing progress in patients, the variety of cases, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives contribute to a high level of job enjoyment.
Is it hard to get hired as a speech pathologist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for speech pathologists is much faster than average, and should be solid for the next decade. If you get the proper education and training, and you have a passion for helping others, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find work in this profession.
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