Job description template

Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description Template

A copy-ready speech-language pathologist job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows speech-language pathologists earn a median of $97,870 ($47.05/hour); the middle 50% earn $77,730–$114,570.

Job title

Speech-Language Pathologist

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable speech-language pathologist to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will evaluate speech, language and swallowing, diagnose communication disorders and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate speech, language and swallowing
  • Diagnose communication disorders
  • Plan and lead therapy
  • Treat swallowing disorders
  • Teach communication strategies
  • Train families and teachers
  • Document progress
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Master's degree
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of language assessment and articulation therapy
  • Patience and creativity
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • CCC-SLP (ASHA)
  • State SLP license
  • School certification
  • Experience with assessment tests

Skills

  • Swallowing evaluation
  • Fluency treatment
  • AAC devices
  • IEP writing
  • Communication
  • Empathy

Work environment and schedule

SLPs work in schools, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities, private practices and via telehealth. School SLPs follow the school calendar; healthcare SLPs work full-time with some weekends.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a speech-language pathologist job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Speech-Language Pathologist” is the clearest; alternates include Speech Therapist, SLP, Speech Pathologist.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a speech-language pathologist so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Speech-Language Pathologist training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Speech-Language Pathologist hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing