Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work across the lifespan, evaluating and treating children and adults with a wide variety of communication and swallowing disorders. From children with speech and language disorders to stroke survivors with communication and swallowing disorders, SLPs provide individualized care across a wide range of conditions. This work is highly rewarding as practitioners help clients with developmental and acquired disorders to more fully engage with their communities and families.

A high level of career satisfaction for SLPs and Audiologists has been reported by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). An impressive 92% of SLPs and Audiologists reported satisfaction with their career choices. In this survey, respondents also noted good relationships with their colleagues and meaningful work as drivers of this satisfaction. As you consider this career path, you may wonder about the potential return on your investment in education. To help you determine whether speech-language pathology aligns with your future financial needs and goals, we have outlined some important considerations below, We have also linked the sources so that you can review the full context if desired.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries at a Glance

Aspiring speech-language pathologists complete master’s degrees and a variety of other requirements to be eligible for state licensure. In all states and D.C., state licensure is required to practice as a speech-language pathologist. Your hard work to become a speech-language pathologist pays off with an above-average salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $95,410 for professionals in 2024, far exceeding the median salary of $49,500 for all occupations.

Newcomers to the field earn above the median for all occupations. Speech-language pathologists in the bottom 10% of earners averaged $60,480, while the bottom 25% of earners averaged $75,310. An affordable master’s program and good early-career earnings help provide a strong foundation for financial security. Faculty with first-hand knowledge of the field to help guide and mentor your early career decisions is also important.

The salary potential for speech-language pathologists is strong, especially with experience and specialization. The top 10% of earners in the profession earned at least $132,850 in 2024.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries by Work Setting

A speech-language pathologist’s salary varies based on where they work. ASHA’s 2021 demographic profile found that elementary schools were the most common places of employment for SLPs (22.1% of respondents). The remainder of the top five workplaces included:

• Multiple elementary or secondary schools (14.4%)
• Hospitals (12.2%)
• Other nonresidential healthcare facilities (9.7%)
• Skilled nursing facilities (7.2%)

The profile shows that most employment opportunities for speech-language pathologists are found in schools or healthcare facilities. Seven percent of SLPs worked in facilities not related to education or healthcare. For now, let’s focus on the salaries for speech-language pathologists in the most common areas of practice.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Education

ASHA’s 2022 Schools Survey provides insights into the compensation for SLPs working in schools. The average salary for a speech-language pathologist in an educational setting was $72,623. Ninety-two percent of SLPs based in schools were compensated for academic years lasting up to 10 months rather than full calendar years.

One variable in these salary statistics is geographic location. For example, the median salary for a school-based pathologist in New York was $85,000 in 2022. Nine of the thirty states reported by ASHA had median salaries surpassing the national median salary for speech-language pathologists in schools.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Healthcare

ASHA also conducted a survey to explore salaries for speech-language pathologists in healthcare settings in 2023. ASHA reported a median salary of $87,000 and a 91% rate for full-time employment. 91% were employed full-time. The top 25% of earners in all healthcare settings had an average annual salary of $101,000.

Another variable is work setting, SLPs in skilled nursing facilities ($97,100) and military or long-term acute care hospitals ($95,000) earned more than the 2023 median. Full-time administrators ($113,000) and supervisors with some client responsibilities ($100,000) reported earnings more than the median salary for SLPs in healthcare-based settings.

Future Career Trends for Speech-Language Pathologists

Strong demand for speech-language pathologists over the next decade will create opportunities for rewarding careers. The BLS projects an 18% growth in pathologist jobs by 2033, compared to a 4% expected growth across all professions. An estimated 33,300 new roles will be created during this period, with 13,700 openings for both new and existing jobs each year. Compared to approximately 10,000 new graduates entering the field each year, shortages of qualified SLPs are expected to continue.

Additionally, retirement of experienced speech-language pathologists will open roles to newcomers. The share of the American population aged 65 and older continues to grow, creating greater demand for SLP services. ASHA identifies other drivers of demand for speech-language pathologists:

• Increases in state education budgets for special education
• Improvements in early diagnosis and treatment
• Growth in private practices offering contract services to schools and hospitals

Raising the Ceiling on Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries

There are many pathways to successful careers in speech-language pathology. This will be a competitive job market as the next generation of practitioners graduate from school. Here are a few ways to set yourself apart from the field and potentially boost your salary:

Starting a Private Practice

Some SLPs pursue private practice as full-time or supplemental employment. While owning a private practice is a time-intensive, demanding venture, with careful identification of care gaps and excellent services, this can be a lucrative option.

Practice owners can apply to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, and if approved, accept reimbursement from these agencies for their work. Private pay is also an option in some instances.

Certification and Specialization

Professional certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is important to consider. This certification is known as the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), and is often required by employers for employment consideration. In a few states, the CCC is required for full licensure eligibility. Salary supplements for obtaining the CCC are sometimes offered such as the 11 New York public school districts that offer supplements of $150 to $5,800 for continued ASHA certification.

Speech-language pathologists can also specialize in in-demand areas through advanced doctoral level study and continuing education. Specialists may pursue additional certification through various organizations to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill. There is also a consistent demand for practitioners who can speak two or more languages.

Choosing the Right Graduate Program

A well-regarded and innovative speech-language pathology program can make a big difference in your career. You want guidance from experienced faculty, support from departmental staff, and a degree you are proud to list on your resume. Graduate education can be challenging and time-consuming, so you want a program that helps you build toward your professional goals. St. Bonaventure University hits all of these marks with its Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology.

Start a Meaningful Career at St. Bonaventure University

SBU’s Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology makes it possible to focus on learning the profession without sitting in a classroom. There are no on-campus requirements for this program, and 100% of courses are available through distance education. Students work with the program’s placement services team to complete 400 hours of supervised clinical experience in their communities.

The Online MS curriculum was designed with New York state licensure requirements and ASHA certification requirements in mind. Faculty members with experience in clinical environments prepare students to help clients of all ages. Online MS candidates complete 56 credits of coursework on topics including:

• Aphasia Rehabilitation and Continuum of Care
• Motor Speech Disorders
• Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology
• Speech Sound Disorders in Children

Graduates of the Online MS program join a global network of SBU alumni benefitting from the university’s strong reputation. This reputation is confirmed by SBU’s top-ten rank in the Best Value Schools category from U.S. News & World Report. Alumni also carry SBU’s core values of compassion, wisdom, and integrity throughout their careers.

Find out how SBU’s Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology can open doors in your career journey.