What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Occupation Description 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.
What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
- Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
- 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.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Speech-Language Pathologists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Types of Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Speech/Language Therapist
- Speech and Language Clinician
- Educational Speech-Language Clinician
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 145,100 jobs in the United States for Speech-Language Pathologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,900 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,400 positions for Speech-Language Pathologist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?
Speech-Language Pathologists make between $48,690 and $120,060 a year.
Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $71,240 |
| Alaska | $83,620 |
| Arizona | $74,710 |
| Arkansas | $73,660 |
| California | $93,510 |
| Colorado | $90,980 |
| Connecticut | $92,280 |
| Delaware | $81,440 |
| District of Columbia | $93,570 |
| Florida | $76,820 |
| Georgia | $77,730 |
| Hawaii | $76,330 |
| Idaho | $74,740 |
| Illinois | $77,120 |
| Indiana | $73,780 |
| Iowa | $76,020 |
| Kansas | $70,280 |
| Kentucky | $72,440 |
| Louisiana | $71,270 |
| Maine | $65,540 |
| Maryland | $84,960 |
| Massachusetts | $85,720 |
| Michigan | $78,220 |
| Minnesota | $75,590 |
| Mississippi | $64,560 |
| Missouri | $77,790 |
| Montana | $64,580 |
| Nebraska | $69,110 |
| Nevada | $77,620 |
| New Hampshire | $73,630 |
| New Jersey | $95,000 |
| New Mexico | $74,800 |
| New York | $90,820 |
| North Carolina | $75,310 |
| North Dakota | $67,340 |
| Ohio | $78,200 |
| Oklahoma | $81,700 |
| Oregon | $87,610 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,530 |
| Rhode Island | $80,450 |
| South Carolina | $71,600 |
| South Dakota | $58,860 |
| Tennessee | $77,140 |
| Texas | $75,800 |
| Utah | $78,840 |
| Vermont | $73,550 |
| Virginia | $86,090 |
| Washington | $73,220 |
| West Virginia | $61,070 |
| Wisconsin | $70,560 |
| Wyoming | $80,470 |
What Tools & Technology do Speech-Language Pathologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Speech-Language Pathologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Apple Logic Pro
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Biofeedback software
- Speech analysis software
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
What kind of Speech-Language Pathologist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Speech-Language Pathologists Work
Speech-Language Pathologists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Ghozt Tramp via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.