What Do Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
Speech-Language Pathologist Definition 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?
- 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.
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
- 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.
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Speech-Language Pathologist Skills
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Voice Pathologist
- Language Pathologist
- Educational Speech-Language Clinician
- Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech and Language Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist Employment Estimates
There were about 145,100 jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Speech-Language Pathologist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Speech-Language Pathologist ranges between $48,690 and $120,060.
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Apple Logic Pro
- Language analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Speech analysis software
- Biofeedback software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist
What education is needed to be a Speech-Language Pathologist?
What work experience do I need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Who Employs Speech-Language Pathologists?
Speech-Language Pathologists work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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References:
Image Credit: Ghozt Tramp via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
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