Speech-Language Pathologist: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Speech-Language Pathologists earn a national median of $95,410/yr with 15% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in English Language, Education and Training, Customer and Personal Service.

Median Salary

$95,410

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

15%

Much faster than average

Employed Nationally

178,790

2024 data

Typical Education

Master's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Speech-Language Pathologist

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Speech-Language Pathologist candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Active Listening 3 Critical Thinking 4 Social Perceptiveness 5 Writing 6 Speaking 7 Learning Strategies 8 Active Learning 9 Monitoring 10 Instructing

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Speech-Language Pathologist performance, based on verified occupational data.

English Language Education and Training Customer and Personal Service Psychology Therapy and Counseling

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Speech-Language Pathologist roles.

eClinicalWorks EHR software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 15% for Speech-Language Pathologist roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's much faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
178,790
Projected Growth
15%
Typical Education
Master's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?
Speech-Language Pathologists apply expertise in English Language, Education and Training, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness.
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make?
The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $95,410 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Speech-Language Pathologist a good career in 2026?
Employment for Speech-Language Pathologist roles is projected to grow 15% over the 2024–2034 decade — much faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 178,790 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
The typical entry-level education for a Speech-Language Pathologist is Master's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Speech-Language Pathologists need?
The most important skills for Speech-Language Pathologist roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Writing, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Active Learning, Monitoring, Instructing. Key tools and technologies include: eClinicalWorks EHR software.

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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.