Career comparison
Special Education Teacher vs. Speech-Language Pathologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Speech-language pathologists earn more at the median ($97,870 vs. $65,120), while special education teachers usually get to work faster (4 years plus licensing of training). Special education teachers teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive. Speech-language pathologists help people with speech, language, voice and swallowing problems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Special Education Teacher | Speech-Language Pathologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $65,120 | $97,870 ($47.05/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $49,350 – $103,010 | $62,900 – $134,160 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.4% (little or no change) | +16.6% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 16,400 | 12,500 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus licensing | 6–7 years |
| Key credential | State special education license | CCC-SLP (ASHA) |
| Work setting | Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.. | SLPs work in schools, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities, private practices and via telehealth.. |
What each job does
Special Education Teacher
- Assess students’ needs and progress
- Write and implement IEPs
- Adapt lessons and materials
- Teach individuals and small groups
- Co-teach in general education classes
Speech-Language Pathologist
- Evaluate speech, language and swallowing
- Diagnose communication disorders
- Plan and lead therapy
- Treat swallowing disorders
- Teach communication strategies
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and working with people. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as patience and patience.
Which should you choose?
Choose special education teacher if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
Choose speech-language pathologist if…
- I want to help people communicate
- I’m patient and creative
- I like working with kids or adults
Still torn? Take the Special Education Teacher fit quiz and the Speech-Language Pathologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, special education teacher or speech-language pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists earn more at the median: $97,870 versus $65,120 for special education teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Special Education Teachers typically train faster (4 years plus licensing) than speech-language pathologists (6–7 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects speech-language pathologists to grow +16.6% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for special education teachers.