State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
Speech-Language Pathologists earn a median of $97,870 per year ($47.05/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 15.0% through 2034, with about 13,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
SOC 29-1127Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $97,870
- Projected growth
- +15.0%
- Openings a year
- 13,300
- Typical education
- Master's
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP), Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP), Speech and Language Clinician, Speech and Language Specialist, Speech and Language Teacher, Speech and Language Therapist.
How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make?
10th percentile$62,900
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$77,730
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$97,870
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$114,570
Upper quartile
90th percentile$134,160
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $97,870 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $47.05/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $98,170 |
| People employed | 183,390 |
Versus all US occupations
At $97,870, Speech-Language Pathologists earn 92% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $46,890 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
The median is typical for the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $134,160 or more while the bottom 10% earn $62,900, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 77% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($118,970), but once local prices are taken into account Colorado leads at $107,470 in national-average dollars.
Which states pay Speech-Language Pathologists the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $118,970 | $107,451 | 16,930 |
| Colorado | $110,750 | $107,470 | 4,420 |
| District of Columbia | $109,380 | $99,526 | 390 |
| Washington | $105,550 | $98,633 | 3,570 |
| Nevada | $104,510 | $104,532 | 1,270 |
| Rhode Island | $104,000 | $101,682 | 720 |
| Delaware | $102,760 | $102,958 | 690 |
| Alaska | $102,670 | $100,304 | 340 |
| Oregon | $102,660 | $99,322 | 1,600 |
| New Jersey | $101,560 | $93,341 | 6,840 |
Is Speech-Language Pathologist a growing career?
Speech-Language Pathologists15.0%
All US occupations3.1%
+15.0% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Speech-Language Pathologists to change 15.0% over 2024–2034, roughly 4.8× the 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 28,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 13,300 openings are projected each year, 7.1% of the 187,400 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
As the population ages, there will be more instances of health conditions such as strokes or dementia, which can cause speech or language impairments. Speech-language pathologists will be needed to treat the increased number of speech and language disorders in the older population.
Increased awareness of speech and language disorders, such as stuttering, in younger children should lead to a need for more speech-language pathologists who specialize in treating that age group. Also, an increasing number of speech-language pathologists will be needed to work with children with autism spectrum disorder to improve their ability to communicate and socialize effectively.
How to become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Every state licenses speech-language pathologists, and licensure typically requires a master's degree from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience gained both during and after the program, and a passing exam score. Separately from the state license, most SLPs also hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, which requires a CAA-accredited master's, the Praxis exam in speech-language pathology, and a Clinical Fellowship.
The credential path, step by step
- Complete a bachelor's degree with the prerequisite coursework
Master's programs may not require a particular bachelor's degree but frequently require applicants to have completed coursework in biology, social science, or certain healthcare and related fields. Prerequisites vary by program.
- Earn a master's degree from a CAA-accredited programAbout 2 years
All graduate coursework and graduate clinical experience must be completed in a program accredited by (or in candidacy with) ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation. The program must include at least 36 graduate semester credit hours and supervised clinical practicum.
- Accumulate 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience
ASHA requires 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, at least 325 of which must be earned while enrolled in the CAA-accredited graduate program. Supervision must come from a clinical educator holding the CCC-SLP with at least 9 months of post-certification full-time clinical experience.
- Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
Scores go directly from ETS to ASHA. A passing score of 162 is required for ASHA certification; states set their own passing scores for licensure and teacher credentialing.
- Complete a Clinical FellowshipAt least 36 weeks full-time
The Clinical Fellowship must consist of no less than 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (35 hours a week, a minimum of 1,260 hours) or its part-time equivalent, mentored by a clinician who holds the CCC-SLP. At least 80% of the fellow's responsibilities must be direct client contact.
- Obtain your state license and, for ASHA certification, apply for the CCC-SLP
The state license is what legally allows you to practice; the CCC-SLP is ASHA's national certification and typically satisfies some or all of a state's licensure requirements. They are separate credentials with separate applications.
- Add a state education-agency credential if you want to work in schools
SLPs who work in schools may need a teaching certification. States can set their own certification or licensing rules for school-based SLPs. Contact your state department of education or the district you are targeting.
Exams you have to pass
Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis 5331)
The national examination ASHA has adopted for certification purposes. ASHA recommends taking it no earlier than the completion of graduate coursework and clinical practicum, or during the first year of clinical practice after graduation. The passing score for ASHA certification is 162 on a 100-200 scale; each state sets its own passing score for licensure and teacher credentialing, and most adopt the same score as ASHA.
Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), commissioned by ASHA.
- Program accreditation
CAA · Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
ASHA certification standards require that all graduate coursework and graduate clinical experience in speech-language pathology be initiated and completed in a CAA-accredited program or a program with CAA candidacy status. BLS notes that graduation from an accredited program is required for certification and, often, for state licensure.
- How long the training takes
Master's programs usually take 2 years of postbaccalaureate study, followed by a Clinical Fellowship of at least 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (a minimum of 1,260 hours) or its part-time equivalent.
ASHA requires a minimum of 36 graduate semester credit hours and 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, at least 325 of which must be completed while enrolled in the CAA-accredited graduate program.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
To maintain the CCC-SLP, ASHA requires at least 30 professional development hours (equivalent to 3.0 ASHA CEUs) during each 3-year certification maintenance interval, including 1 hour in ethics, plus adherence to the Code of Ethics and payment of annual dues and fees. State license renewal carries its own continuing education requirements, which differ by state.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, but the specific requirements vary and are set by each state's medical or health licensure board. ASHA certification typically satisfies some or all of a state's licensure requirements. Working in schools is a separate matter again: under IDEA, states can create their own certification or licensing rules for school-based SLPs, and those requirements may be less rigorous than ASHA certification or the state clinical license. Check with the state department of education as well as the licensure board.
Who governs the credential
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — Through its Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC), ASHA sets the standards for and awards the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), a national certification that is separate from any state license.
- Educational Testing Service (ETS) — Owns and administers the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, whose development ASHA commissions and whose passing score ASHA's CFCC sets.
Credential detail for speech-language pathologists is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Speech-Language Pathologists · checked August 23, 2026
- ASHA — 2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology · checked August 23, 2026
- ASHA — About the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam · checked August 23, 2026
- ASHA — FAQs: Qualified Providers in Schools · checked August 23, 2026
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology — About the CAA · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. All states require that speech-language pathologists be licensed. Requirements for licensure vary by state.
| Typical entry-level education | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Considerable preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Internship/residency |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as speech-language pathologists.
- Master's Degree88.5%
- Post-Master's Certificate11.5%
What does a Speech-Language Pathologist 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.
Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They also treat clients who have problems swallowing.
Day-to-day tasks
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most speech-language pathologists are full time, but part-time work is common. Those working for schools may have a 2-month break during the summer and a shorter midwinter break.
Where the work happens
- Almost never works outdoors
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
Pressure and stakes
- Meeting strict deadlines at least weekly
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where speech-language pathologists work
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 40% |
|---|---|
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 26% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 14% |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 4% |
| Self-employed workers | 3% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Active Listening4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Learning Strategies4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.1/5
- Instructing3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Coordination3.3/5
- Time Management3.3/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Computer based training software
- Desktop communications software
- Electronic mail software
- Internet browser software
- Music or sound editing software
- Video creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realistic2.6
Investigativeprimary5.6
Artistic3.0
Socialprimary6.1
Enterprising1.4
Conventionalprimary4.0
Day to day this is work built around teaching, helping and working directly with other people, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Speech-Language Pathologist: frequently asked questions
How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make?
Speech-Language Pathologists earn a median of $97,870 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 92% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $47.05/hr. The middle half earn between $77,730 and $114,570. The top 10% earn $134,160 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Yes. BLS reports a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for Speech-Language Pathologists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. BLS also lists internship/residency as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 88.5% hold master's degree.
Is Speech-Language Pathologist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 15.0% over 2024–2034, more than double the 3.1% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 13,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?
Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. A core O*NET task: evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Speech-Language Pathologists the most?
The highest state medians for Speech-Language Pathologists are California ($118,970), Colorado ($110,750), District of Columbia ($109,380) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Colorado moves to the top at $107,470.
What personality type suits a Speech-Language Pathologist?
O*NET scores Speech-Language Pathologists highest on the Social, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes teaching, helping and working directly with other people with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with INFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Master's programs usually take 2 years of postbaccalaureate study, followed by a Clinical Fellowship of at least 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (a minimum of 1,260 hours) or its part-time equivalent. ASHA requires a minimum of 36 graduate semester credit hours and 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, at least 325 of which must be completed while enrolled in the CAA-accredited graduate program.
Do you need a license to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, but the specific requirements vary and are set by each state's medical or health licensure board. ASHA certification typically satisfies some or all of a state's licensure requirements. Working in schools is a separate matter again: under IDEA, states can create their own certification or licensing rules for school-based SLPs, and those requirements may be less rigorous than ASHA certification or the state clinical license. Check with the state department of education as well as the licensure board.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
The Praxis 5331 (Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology). The national examination ASHA has adopted for certification purposes. ASHA recommends taking it no earlier than the completion of graduate coursework and clinical practicum, or during the first year of clinical practice after graduation. The passing score for ASHA certification is 162 on a 100-200 scale; each state sets its own passing score for licensure and teacher credentialing, and most adopt the same score as ASHA.