Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Speech-Language Pathologists
About half work in educational services, and most others were employed by health care and social assistance facilities. A masters degree in speech-language pathology is the standard credential required for licensing in most States. Employment is expected to grow because the expanding population in older age groups is prone to medical conditions that result in speech, language, and swallowing problems. Excellent job opportunities are expected.
On average, Speech-Language Pathologists earn $ 57,710 per year.
Job Opportunities for Health Care Careers are
expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
Communication Disorders
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties.
Most speech-language pathologist jobs require a masters degree. In 2007, more than 230 colleges and universities offered graduate programs in speech-language pathology accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. While graduation from an accredited program is not always required to become a speech-language pathologist, it may be helpful in obtaining a license or may be required to obtain a license in some States.
Speech-language pathologists held about 110,000 jobs in 2006. About half were employed in educational services, primarily in preschools and elementary and secondary schools. Others were employed in hospitals; offices of other health practitioners, including speech-language pathologists; nursing care facilities; home health care services; individual and family services; outpatient care centers; and child day care centers.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
