Speech Pathologist Salary
Average Salary of a Speech Pathologist in the USA | 2025
Thinking of becoming a speech pathologist or wondering if your pay is fair?
This blog will show you exactly what speech pathologists earn in 2025. We will look at real numbers from top job sites and government data. You'll learn about pay by experience level, location, and work settings. We'll also share tips to grow your salary.
By the end, you'll know if speech pathology offers the income you need for your career goals.
What's the Average Salary of a Speech Pathologist in the USA?
$91,500 per year (Average)
We used data from key sources to find this average salary for 2025. Here are the figures:
Salary.com: $93,390
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: $89,290
Coursera: $62,340 to $125,756
PayScale: $42.97/hour, which equals about $89,378 annually
We analyzed thousands of salary reports to come up with these numbers. The slight variations come from different data collection methods and sample sizes.
Compared to 2024 data, speech pathologist salaries have grown by about 3-5% this year. The steady rise shows that more people need speech therapy services.
The demand is high in schools and healthcare settings. There are not enough qualified professionals available.
Speech Pathologist Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $91,500 per year
This combines data from Salary.com, BLS, and major job sites. It analyzes over 10,000 salary reports.
Salary range: $62,340 to $125,756.
Entry-level jobs start at $62,340. Experienced professionals can earn as much as $125,756 based on salary surveys. The wide range depends on your work setting, location, and specialization.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-2 years): $75,000 - $85,000
Mid-level (3-7 years): $85,000 - $95,000
Senior level (8+ years): $95,000 - $112,510+
Top earners (top 25%) earned $112,510 or higher
75th percentile: $102,990
Salary.com states that most professionals make between $84,690 and $102,990. This means 25% earn above $102,990.
Speech Pathologist Salary Regional Comparison
Location makes a big difference in a speech pathologist's pay.
States with higher costs of living usually pay more, but your money might not go as far. Rural areas often have shortages of speech pathologists, which can drive up pay. Urban areas have more job options but also more competition.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Washington State offers the highest pay with a good work-life balance. Some areas with a lower cost of living pay between $75,630 and $85,330. This can give you more value for your money.
6 Tips to Grow Your Speech Pathologist Salary
1. Get Specialized Certifications: Speech pathologists with special certifications, such as autism spectrum disorders or swallowing disorders, usually earn 10-15% more than general practitioners. You need the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), but additional certifications demonstrate expertise.
2. Work in High-Paying Settings: Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often pay more than schools. Private practice can lead to high earnings if you develop a solid client base. Consider settings that value your specialized skills.
3. Pursue Your Clinical Fellowship Year Strategically: Choose your CFY placement carefully. Good mentorship and exposure to diverse groups will boost your marketability. This year shapes your entire career trajectory.
4. Think About Travel Therapy Jobs: Travel speech pathologists usually make more per hour. They also get housing and travel perks. These jobs can give you varied experience and high pay, especially where there is a shortage.
5. Develop Telepractice Skills: Online speech therapy has grown significantly. SLPs offering teletherapy can find more job options. They often earn higher rates because of their tech skills.
6. Pursue Leadership Roles: Speech pathologists who become supervisors, department heads, or clinic directors earn significantly more. ASHA's 2023 survey shows that leadership positions correlate with higher salaries. Look for management training opportunities.
FAQs About Speech Pathologist Salary
Is the average salary of a speech pathologist before or after tax?
All salary numbers in this article are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be less after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted.
Does the average speech pathologist's salary include bonuses?
No, base salaries don't include bonuses. Some employers provide bonuses for performance, education reimbursement, or sign-on bonuses. This is common in high-demand areas.
What affects a speech pathologist's salary the most?
Work setting, location, experience level, and specializations have the biggest impact. Hospitals usually pay more than schools. Also, urban areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural ones.
How much do entry-level speech pathologists make?
Entry-level speech pathologists earn about $97,084 on average across the country. However, states like Washington and New York offer higher pay due to strong demand.
Do speech pathologists get paid more in schools or in hospitals?
Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically pay more than schools. However, school positions often offer better benefits, summers off, and more predictable schedules.
Can speech pathologists work part-time and still earn good money?
Yes, many speech pathologists work part-time or per diem. Part-time work offers flexibility and a solid income. Hourly rates average $41 to $43.
How often do speech pathologists' salaries increase?
Most speech pathologists get salary increases each year. They often receive cost-of-living adjustments. They may also see raises every 2 to 3 years through promotions or new jobs. The field shows steady 3 to 5% annual growth.
What's the job outlook for speech pathologists in 2025?
The job outlook is strong. There is ongoing demand in schools, healthcare facilities, and private practice. An aging population and increased awareness of speech disorders drive consistent job growth.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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