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Speech-Language Pathologists

Typical education: Master's degreeLower pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Kinds of work

  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $97,870 Median per year · $47.05/hr Most earn $62,900–$134,160

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • 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.
  • Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
  • 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.
  • Supervise students or assistants.
  • Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
17% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 12,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Elementary and secondary schools37.0%
  • Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists25.1%
  • General medical and surgical hospitals10.3%
  • Self-employed (their own business)4.5%
  • Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)3.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Master's degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Speech-language pathology is not an entry-level job. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree, then complete supervised clinical work before working on their own, which usually takes about 7 years or more after high school. Along the way you get hands-on experience helping people communicate.

  1. Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders (or a related field)

    4 years

    You learn how speech, language, and hearing work and how disorders affect people. Many master's programs want this background, and it also lets you observe clinicians and get volunteer or aide experience.

  2. Master's degree in speech-language pathology

    2 years

    You study assessment and treatment methods and complete supervised clinical practice with a range of clients. This degree is required to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in most places.

  3. Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology

    1-2 years

    After graduating, you complete a paid, supervised clinical year (often called a clinical fellowship) to build independent skills. Finishing it, along with passing the required licensing exam, qualifies you for full licensure.

  4. Speech-Language Pathologist

    Ongoing career

    You independently assess and treat people with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders, and you may choose alternative communication systems for them.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more responsibility by guiding other therapists, sharing caseloads, and helping with program planning while still treating clients.

  2. Clinical Supervisor, Speech-Language Pathology

    5+ years of experience first

    You oversee clinical fellows and other staff, making sure their work meets standards and that they grow in their skills. This usually requires strong clinical experience and good leadership skills.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, psychology, and English or speech classesThese classes build the science and communication skills you will use in college and graduate school.
  • Join a debate, drama, or public speaking clubPracticing clear speech and listening helps you understand how communication works and whether you enjoy helping others express themselves.
  • Volunteer with young children or people with disabilitiesWorking with people who have communication challenges, such as in a special needs program or summer camp, shows you what the job is really like.
  • Get a starter job working with people, like a camp counselor or tutorJobs that involve patient, clear communication build the people skills that speech therapists rely on every day.

In college

  • Major in communication sciences and disordersThis major covers speech, language, and hearing science and is the most direct route into a master's program in speech-language pathology.
  • Work or volunteer as a speech-language or therapy aideMany clinics, schools, and rehab centers hire aides or volunteers, giving you hands-on experience and letting you observe licensed clinicians.
  • Join a speech-language or communication sciences student clubCampus groups often host speakers, workshops, and volunteer events that help you learn about the field and meet people already in it.
  • Take statistics and research methodsGraduate programs and clinical work both use research and data, so these courses prepare you for the evidence-based side of the job.
  • Learn American Sign Language or another languageKnowing a second language or sign language helps you work with more clients, especially in diverse communities.

Tips for getting started

  • Get real experience early by volunteering or working with children, older adults, or people with disabilities, such as in a school, nursing home, or library reading program. This shows graduate programs you are serious and helps you learn if the work fits you.
  • Talk to working speech-language pathologists using informational interviews. Ask what a typical week looks like and what they wish they had known before starting graduate school.
  • Keep your grades strong, especially in science and psychology classes, since graduate programs look closely at your undergraduate record.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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