As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Speech and Language Pathologist in the United States is $97,270 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Speech and Language Pathologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Speech and Language Pathologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Speech and Language Pathologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Speech and Language Pathologist | $95,400 |
| Intermediate Level Speech and Language Pathologist | $97,263 |
| Senior Level Speech and Language Pathologist | $100,509 |
| Specialist Level Speech and Language Pathologist | $100,834 |
| Expert Level Speech and Language Pathologist | $101,375 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Speech and Language Pathologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.98% |
| Rehabilitation Services | 3.67% |
| Infection Control | 2.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interviewing
|
$99,215 |
2%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$98,243 |
1%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$98,243 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$98,243 |
1%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$97,270 |
0%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$97,270 |
0%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Speech and Language Pathologists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Speech and Language Pathologist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $89,819 and $94,788).
Speech and Language Pathologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.1% |
| Associates | 0.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 92.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a Speech and Language Pathologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Speech and Language Pathologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,260 in 2023 to around $111,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Speech and Language Pathologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,260 |
| 2024 | $113,619 |
| 2025 | $111,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Speech and Language Pathologist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Speech and Language Pathologist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Speech and Language Pathologist is $122,687.
The highest pay for Speech and Language Pathologist is $110,504.
The lowest pay for Speech and Language Pathologist is $82,762.
Assesses and treats speech and language disorders and impairments. Conducts evaluations of an individual's speech and language skills using applicable diagnostic materials and tools. Develops treatment plans that utilize appropriate intervention approaches, strategies, and materials. Establishes treatment priorities that include advising, educating, and counseling. Completes required documentation to record assessment and progress. Collaborates with physicians, family members, and other clinical providers to provide effective therapies. May direct support staff in assisting with treatment. Requires a master's degree in speech pathology. Requires Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Requires State License based on Clinical Specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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