How to become a speech-language pathologist

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What speech-language pathologists do

• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Active Learning
• Monitoring

Is speech-language pathologist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 92% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $118,970
• Colorado $110,750
• District of Columbia $109,380
• Washington $105,550
• Nevada $104,510

Speech-Language Pathologists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.