What Speech-Language Pathologists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Speech-Language Pathologists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly"; "Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments"; "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"; "Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement"; "Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 193,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 225,500 in 2035, an increase of 32,100 jobs (+16.6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $97,870, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Speech-Language Pathologists earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $93,626 in Illinois to $105,767 in New Jersey, a gap of $12,141 (1.13 times). 2 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $97,870 and 2 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 20,260, which is 32.2% of the 62,960 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 19,650.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($105,767), New York ($102,029) and Indiana ($96,196) lead the ranking, while Illinois ($93,626) and Indiana ($96,196) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Speech-Language Pathologists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $54,018. The smallest margin is $38,122 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 4 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 18.8% and 41.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Speech-Language Pathologists
Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Respiratory Therapists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-1000) include Anesthesiologists, General Internal Medicine Physicians, Dentists, General and Pharmacists.
Frequently asked questions about Speech-Language Pathologists
How much do Speech-Language Pathologists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $97,870. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $93,626 to $105,767.
Which state pays Speech-Language Pathologists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $105,767. New York is next at $102,029.
Is Speech-Language Pathologists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 16.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,500 openings a year.
What education do Speech-Language Pathologists need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.
Where can Speech-Language Pathologists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $54,018 on a median wage of $98,490.