What Do Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Do?
Job Description & Duties Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
Life As a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
- Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
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What Every Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Speech-Language Pathology Assistants 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.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Speech-Language Assistant
- Anatomic Pathology Assistant
- Speech and Language Assistant
- Assistant Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech Pathology Assistant
Job Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
There were about 97,300 jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,400 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,700 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant are Utah, Alaska, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Oklahoma, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Salary
The salary for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants ranges between about $23,210 and $56,230 a year.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants who work in Delaware, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,290 |
Alaska | $45,830 |
Arizona | $41,210 |
Arkansas | $39,150 |
California | $44,820 |
Colorado | $33,600 |
Connecticut | $38,750 |
Delaware | $50,820 |
District of Columbia | $51,830 |
Florida | $38,690 |
Georgia | $41,430 |
Hawaii | $37,540 |
Idaho | $34,930 |
Illinois | $41,230 |
Indiana | $34,240 |
Iowa | $38,420 |
Kansas | $38,900 |
Kentucky | $38,570 |
Louisiana | $29,380 |
Maine | $34,580 |
Maryland | $39,820 |
Massachusetts | $40,690 |
Michigan | $30,980 |
Minnesota | $36,390 |
Mississippi | $37,330 |
Missouri | $42,800 |
Montana | $35,200 |
Nebraska | $38,470 |
Nevada | $43,110 |
New Hampshire | $32,410 |
New Jersey | $36,540 |
New Mexico | $39,210 |
New York | $37,380 |
North Carolina | $34,080 |
North Dakota | $37,830 |
Ohio | $38,330 |
Oklahoma | $40,710 |
Oregon | $41,890 |
Pennsylvania | $41,530 |
Rhode Island | $37,320 |
South Carolina | $42,860 |
South Dakota | $42,730 |
Tennessee | $35,030 |
Texas | $42,640 |
Utah | $37,720 |
Vermont | $41,660 |
Virginia | $41,860 |
Washington | $44,230 |
West Virginia | $43,770 |
Wisconsin | $35,100 |
Wyoming | $40,530 |
What Tools & Technology do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Biofeedback software
- Speech analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
What education or degrees do I need to become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Are Employed

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

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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