How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Evaluate and treat speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders across every age group, from early intervention through stroke recovery. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $97,870 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$97,870/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
13,300
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment Planning
Helpful certifications
- CCC-SLP (ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence)
- State SLP licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make?
The median pay for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, Linguistics, and Psychology.
Is Speech-Language Pathologist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 13,300 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Speech-Language Pathologist use most?
Common skills for this role are Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Learning Strategies, Patient Assessment, and Treatment Planning.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.