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For Educators: Military Resources

Speech-Language Pathologists

Median Salary
89,290
Job Outlook
+4%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

41%

Private for profit

34%

Private not for profit

14%

Self-employed

9%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$42,690

10%

$89,290

Median

$112,620

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    88%

  • Post-master's certificate

    11%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders, General
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.