Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. All states require that speech-language pathologists be licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include clinical experience and passing an exam. PayThe median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,500 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,500 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,500 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.
Work Environment
Some speech-language pathologists work in schools. Others work in private practice or in hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. Most speech-language pathologists are full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. All states require that speech-language pathologists be licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include clinical experience and passing an exam.
Pay
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 12,500 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Some speech-language pathologists work in schools. Others work in private practice or in hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. Most speech-language pathologists are full time, but part-time work is common.
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. All states require that speech-language pathologists be licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include clinical experience and passing an exam.
Pay
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 12,500 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for speech-language pathologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of speech-language pathologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about speech-language pathologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.