Speech-Language Pathology Salary: What to Expect
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide healthcare and educational services to people of all ages who face communication and swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists who deliver specialized therapy and intervention to improve lives discover their work both personally rewarding and financially lucrative. What amount of salary can speech-language pathologists expect? They earn different salaries based on their location and work environment as well as their experience level and educational background. The understanding of these factors enables speech-language pathologists both currently working and aspiring to become SLPs to select better career paths.
SLP Salary Info by State
Highest Average Wage
| State | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $112,030 | ||
| District of Columbia | $111,110 | ||
| Colorado | $107,780 | ||
| Hawaii | $106,790 | ||
| New Jersey | $102,820 | ||
| Connecticut | $102,500 | ||
Lowest Average Wage
| State | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $69,350 | ||
| North Dakota | $72,900 | ||
| Idaho | $73,890 | ||
| Louisiana | $74,390 | ||
| West Virginia | $75,260 | ||
What Factors Determine SLP Salaries?
Multiple essential elements determine the compensation levels speech pathologists receive. The combination of local cost of living and community demand for speech-language pathologist services determines how much they earn. SLPs in urban areas and places with expensive living costs receive higher compensation than their counterparts in rural settings with lower expenses.
The work environment represents a vital element that affects salary levels. Speech-language pathologists working in healthcare settings such as hospitals and specialized clinics and nursing facilities receive better pay than those working in educational settings including public schools. The salary differences stem from the diverse funding sources and patient demographics as well as job responsibilities.
The amount of money speech pathologists earn depends heavily on their experience level together with their educational background. SLPs who gain experience through time in practice or obtain advanced certifications receive higher salary compensation. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) certification leads to improved marketability and salary potential for individuals.
The salary levels of speech-language pathologists depend on how many professionals are available to work in a specific area relative to the number of available positions. Organizations in shortage areas of qualified professionals provide better compensation packages to recruit and maintain qualified staff. The presence of numerous practitioners in a given area creates competitive market conditions which may restrict salary growth possibilities.
Lowest Salaries By Field
| Career Field | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians | $64,550 | ||
| Educational Services | $84,440 | ||
| Cross-industry, Private, Federal, State, and Local Government | $92,630 | ||
| Administrative/Support/Waste Management/Remediation Services | $97,690 | ||
| Social Assistance | $98,380 | ||
Highest Salaries By Field
| Career Field | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Care Services | $121,410 | ||
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,110 | ||
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $108,840 | ||
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $107,420 | ||
| Outpatient Care Centers | $107,340 | ||
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