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Healthcare career
Speech-Language Pathologist
Also called: Speech Therapist · SLP · Speech Pathologist · CCC-SLP
What speech-language pathologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a speech-language pathologist do?
Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. The median pay is $97,870 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–7 years, and employment is projected to grow +16.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$97,870$47.05/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+16.6%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year12,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–7 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs193,400Employment, 2025
What speech-language pathologists do
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help people communicate and swallow safely. They work with children who stutter or have language delays, students with learning differences, adults recovering from strokes or brain injuries, and people with voice or swallowing problems. They evaluate, plan therapy, teach strategies and train families.
SLPs need a master’s degree, a clinical fellowship and a state license. BLS projects much faster than average growth, with strong demand in schools and healthcare.
Typical duties
- Evaluate speech, language and swallowing
- Diagnose communication disorders
- Plan and lead therapy
- Treat swallowing disorders
- Teach communication strategies
- Train families and teachers
- Document progress
Work environment and schedule
SLPs work in schools, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities, private practices and via telehealth.
Schedule: School SLPs follow the school calendar; healthcare SLPs work full-time with some weekends.
A day in the life
- Run a speech group at an elementary school.
- Work with a child who stutters.
- Attend an IEP meeting.
- Evaluate swallowing for a stroke patient.
See a full day in the life of a speech-language pathologist →
Speech-Language Pathologist salary
Half of speech-language pathologists earned more than $97,870 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $62,900 for the lowest 10% to $134,160 for the top 10%.
Full speech-language pathologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a speech-language pathologist
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete a master’s in SLP
- Pass the Praxis exam
- Complete a clinical fellowship
- Get licensed
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship and a state license are required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a speech-language pathologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Language assessment
- Articulation therapy
- Swallowing evaluation
- Fluency treatment
- AAC devices
People skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Communication
- Empathy
All speech-language pathologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Meaningful progress
- Variety of settings
- Telehealth options
Cons
- Graduate degree required
- Large school caseloads
- Paperwork
- Slow progress at times
Certifications and licenses
- CCC-SLP (ASHA): Certificate of Clinical Competence.
- State SLP license: Required.
- School certification: Required for school jobs in many states.
- Board certification in swallowing: Specialty credential.
Career path
- Clinical Fellow: Supervised year.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Treat clients.
- Lead or Specialist SLP: Specialize.
- Rehab or Program Director: Lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Speech-Language Pathologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run an articulation therapy session and screen for swallowing problems, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Speech Therapist vs. Audiologist · Speech Therapist vs. OT · Speech Therapist vs. Special Ed Teacher · Speech Therapist vs. School Counselor
Speech-Language Pathologist FAQ
Do SLPs need a master’s?
Yes, a master’s degree is required.
Do SLPs only work with kids?
No, they also treat adults after strokes, injuries and with swallowing problems.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How much does a speech-language pathologist make?
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870 ($47.05 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $62,900 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,160.
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?
Most people need about 6–7 years of training. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship and a state license are required.
Do you need a degree to be a speech-language pathologist?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More speech-language pathologist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1127 (Speech-language pathologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Speech-language pathologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.