Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 159,800 people employed as speech-language pathologists in the United States. The median annual salary is $79,060. Entry level employees earn approximately $51,310 per year and senior employees earn approximately $125,560 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
• Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
• Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
• Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
• Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.

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