Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with people of all ages to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Currently there is a widespread shortage of practitioners in this field because of retirements and high demand. A majority of respondents to a 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) survey reported more job openings than job seekers in healthcare and school settings.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates 13,700 job openings for speech-language pathologists annually from 2023 to 2033. Good candidates for this profession include those with a strong desire to work in a health-based profession to support the development of communication and swallowing skills for people of all ages and backgrounds.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

Communication and swallowing disorders affect people of all ages in the United States. One in 12 children aged three to 17 experienced speech, language, or swallowing disorders in a National Center for Health Statistics study. ASHA estimates that 38 million adults have impaired hearing and three million adults experience disfluency or stuttering. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat clients with these conditions and more, including:

• Difficulty with motor planning of speech production (apraxia)
• Difficulty producing speech due to motor deficits (dysarthria)
• Supporting infants with a variety of genetic syndromes including those born with cleft palate
• Supporting people with traumatic brain injuries who experience executive function deficits

Treatment is individualized to the specific needs of the person and may include strategies such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, motor strength and coordination practice, functional language use instruction, and development of compensatory strategies. Speech-language pathologists also work with clients’ families and caregivers on strategies for supporting prescribed therapies.

The ASHA identifies other possibilities for speech-language pathologists beyond direct clinical experience. The organization’s Scope of Practice notes that practitioners advocate relevant public policies and contribute to academic research. They may also mentor future practitioners, supervise support staff, and lead programs during their careers. Some SLPs lead rehabilitation companies or oversee special education processes.

Work Environments

The most common work environments for speech-language pathologists are schools. The BLS estimated that 40% of professionals in the field work in local, state, and private education. There are plenty of other employers for speech-language pathologists like:

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapist offices (24%)
• Local, state, and private hospitals (15%)
• Nursing and residential care facilities (4%)
• Self-employed (3%)

Licensed speech-language pathologists may rely on aides to gather client information. Depending on their practice location, they may collaborate with school counselors, physicians, and mental health counselors to support client goals. Speech-language pathologists may open private practices to serve their clients better and respond to community needs.

Education and Licensure

The typical educational path for a speech-language pathologist starts with a bachelor’s degree. Some universities offer communication sciences and disorders (CSD) degrees. Aspiring pathologists may also complete degrees in education, psychology, linguistics, or other fields with CSD-adjacent coursework.

Professionals seeking licensure in the field must complete the required graduate level coursework, usually by completing a Master of Science (MS) degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders. This advanced degree combines coursework on diagnostic and treatment methods with supervised clinical experiences. Working professionals who can’t commit to full-time MS study can find flexible, online learning options for their graduate education.

Speech-language pathologists are licensed by state boards where they practice, and specific requirements will vary by state. For example, some states may require specific credentials to work in a school setting. This licensing process protects clients and ensures consistent care by competent practitioners.

In New York, the Department of Education requires the following from applicants for licensure as speech-language pathologists:

• Earn a graduate degree in the field from an ASHA-accredited program
• Pay initial registration and licensure fees to the department
• Complete at least 36 weeks of post-graduate supervised experience
• Finish the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam with a score of 162 or more

Prospective students are encouraged to investigate the state requirements where they wish to practice.

Career and Salary Outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists

With an aging population, predicted workforce shortages, and higher survival rates of infants with complex needs, it is anticipated the current personnel shortages will drive long-term demand for speech-language pathologists. The BLS estimates an 18% growth in jobs from 2023 to 2033, compared to an estimated 4% growth in jobs across all occupations. This growth is also double the rate for healthcare practitioners over the same period, showing the relative stability of a speech-language pathology career.

Strong demand in this profession translates into above-average salaries for its practitioners. The BLS reported a median salary of $89,290 for speech-language pathologists in 2023. This salary far exceeds the $48,060 median wage for all occupations. The top 10 percent of earners in the profession earned at least $129,930.

The most lucrative practice area identified by the BLS was nursing and residential care facilities, with a median salary of $105,030. Median salaries for other work environments include:

• $100,130 in local, state, and private hospitals
• $94,990 in the offices of audiologists and occupational or speech therapists
• $79,960 for local, state, and private education services

When looking at salary data, it is important to know whether the data represents your desired practice setting, years of experience, or geographic location. Your salary as a speech-language pathologist will depend on these factors too.

An MS SLP from a leading university can help you unlock the personal rewards and professional benefits of a speech-language pathology career. You should look for an accredited degree program that fulfills the academic and clinical licensing requirements and is committed to supporting your professional goals. St. Bonaventure University offers an online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program designed to meet both needs.

 

 

Preparing for a Speech-Language Pathology Career at St. Bonaventure University

 

SBU’s online MS in Speech-Language Pathology is an affordable and flexible option for aspiring speech-language pathologists. The academic coursework is fully online and includes synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. The program is offered on a part-time schedule to support those who may be managing multiple responsibilities. Qualified applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (or closely related) or undergraduate degrees in other disciplines and have completed prerequisite leveling courses.

 

The 56-credit curriculum for the online SLP prepares students for licensure as speech-language pathologists. Faculty members with experience in the field impart their knowledge and lead group discussions among students. Coursework builds competencies in the profession, including:

 

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Diagnostics in Speech-Language Pathology
• Fluency Disorders
• Language Disorders in Children
• Vocal Function and Vocal Disorders

 

Online SLP students also complete 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum experiences near their home geographic location. Degree candidates gain essential skills through direct clinical experiences in settings like nursing facilities, schools, and private practices. Speech-language pathology students carry SBU’s values of compassion, integrity, and wisdom through all these experiences.

 

Learn more about how SBU’s innovative Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology can support your personal and professional goals.