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What Does it Take to Be 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.

List of Speech-Language Pathologist Job Duties

  • 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.
  • Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
  • Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
  • Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
  • Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
  • Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.

What Every Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know

These are the skills Speech-Language Pathologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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

  • Oral Therapist
  • Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Speech and Language Clinician

Is There Going to be Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?

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.

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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.

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Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Speech-Language Pathologists make in each U.S. state?

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 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 do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Individuals working as a Speech-Language Pathologist have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Speech-Language Pathologists Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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.

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