What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Example of Speech-Language Pathologist Job 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.
Life As a Speech-Language Pathologist: What Do They Do?
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
- 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.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
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Speech-Language Pathologist Required Skills
When polled, Speech-Language Pathologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 Jobs
- Oral Therapist
- Speech and Language Specialist
- Language Pathologist
- Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech Pathologist
Are There Job Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists?
In the United States, there were 145,100 jobs for Speech-Language Pathologist in 2016. 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Speech-Language Pathologist
The salary for Speech-Language Pathologists ranges between about $48,690 and $120,060 a year.
Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make 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
- 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 do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Education needed to be a Speech-Language Pathologist:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists Sector
Below are examples of industries where Speech-Language Pathologists work:
Similar Careers
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
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