Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are essential healthcare professionals who help people find their voices—both literally and figuratively. They assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups, from children developing their first words to adults recovering from stroke or injury. This demanding career rewards deep expertise and a long-term commitment to improving others’ quality of life.

The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in the United States reached $95,410 in May 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest-earning 10% made less than $60,480 and the highest 10% earned more than $132,850.

It’s helpful to understand the variables, from education and certification to geography and work setting, that shape an SLP’s salary.

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in the U.S. is a structured, multi-step process that requires advanced education and supervised practice. Here’s a quick guide:

A bachelor’s in communication sciences, linguistics, psychology, or a related field can be a great start on the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist. This can prepare you with foundational knowledge in subjects such as speech and language development, anatomy, and human behavior. 

A Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from a CAA-accredited program is required for SLP licensure. These degrees combine intensive coursework with supervised clinical practicum experience.

After graduating, you must complete a supervised clinical fellowship for a total of between 1,260 and 1,820 hours, depending on the state. This hands-on experience transitions you from the academic setting to clinical practice.

Most states require passing the Praxis Examination in speech-language pathology or a state-specific licensure exam to validate your readiness to practice independently.

Finally, you can apply to your state board for licensure. You will provide proof of education, clinical hours, and your exam results. Many practitioners also pursue the CCC-SLP credential from the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA) to boost their credibility.

When considering a career as a speech-language pathologist, one of the first questions that arises is: What’s the earning potential? National data offers some solid benchmarks.

These figures are national averages. The actual salary of a speech-language pathologist can vary depending on location, experience, and work setting. Factors such as cost of living, demand for SLPs, state licensing differentials, and the specific industry will all influence pay.

What you earn as a speech-language pathologist isn’t just about your degree, but is shaped by several key dimensions. Four of the most impactful include experience, location, credentials, and industry.

Early-career SLP salaries often start closer to entry-level pay, but as they accumulate years of direct client interaction, leadership roles, or specialized caseloads, they can earn more. ASHA data shows that the average salary for SLPs increases with years of experience. In their survey, SLPs with 31 or more years of experience make $30,000 more on average than new-career SLPs (PDF, 494 KB).

Veteran SLPs may also take on supervisory responsibilities, mentor newer clinicians, or lead program development, all of which add earning potential.

As with most professions, where you practice matters. Areas with a higher cost of living or strong demand for SLP services might offer higher salaries. For example, California and Washington, DC, both report annual mean SLP salaries exceeding $110,000, according to the May 2023 data from the BLS.

Advanced qualifications signal to employers that you bring depth and specialized knowledge to the role, and can help justify a higher salary. A master’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for licensure, but those with higher qualifications or certifications might command higher pay.

Examples of credentials that can boost your profile include the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), offered by ASHA, which improves marketability and can help you negotiate a higher salary. Specialized certifications in areas like fluency, swallowing disorders, or pediatric language development can also demonstrate advanced clinical skill.

Earning respected credentials can also open doors to leadership or specialized clinical paths, like medical speech pathology or early-intervention programs.

The environment you choose dictates your responsibilities and sometimes, the corresponding pay scale. 

Medical settings like hospitals and rehabilitation centers often involve treating patients recovering from stroke or injury, while school-based SLPs support children with language challenges. Private practice might offer flexibility, while telepractice and academic roles allow for advanced, remote, or leadership positions.

The most competitive pay, according to the BLS, is generally found in settings that address high-acuity needs or are part of major social and management infrastructures:

SLP employment is projected to increase by 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.

Several factors could be driving this momentum:

If you’re ready for a purpose-driven career in communication sciences, a master’s degree is your gateway. The field continues to evolve with new research, technologies, and treatment innovations, and now is an ideal time to invest in your professional future and earning potential.

Explore how Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology equips you for a meaningful, in-demand career.

Below are some of the most common questions about an SLP’s salary, covering pay trends, career growth, and real-world insights.

Last updated December 2025.