All About Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Job Description: 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: What Do They Do?
- Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients’ performance information.
- Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
- Collect and compile data to document clients’ performance or assess program quality.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Anatomic Pathology Assistant
- Speech Pathologist Assistant
- Speech - Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
- Assistant Speech-Language Pathologist
- Speech and Language Assistant
What Kind of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Job Opportunities Are There?
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. The BLS estimates 13,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Salary for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make between $23,210 and $56,230 a year.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants who work in Delaware, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants 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
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Individuals working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Are Employed

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work in the following industries:

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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |