Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults, helping patients improve speech, language, and cognitive abilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level speech-language pathologists earn around $62,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $90,000. Senior-level speech-language pathologists can earn $120,000 or more.
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See Investment Options →Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for speech-language pathologists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $60,200, while the top 10% earn $128,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $89,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,000 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by State
Speech-Language Pathologist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $158,936, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $72,325.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $158,936 | Details → |
| #2 California | $130,363 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $127,685 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $115,184 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $113,398 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $107,148 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $106,255 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $103,576 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $101,791 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $100,005 | Details → |
| #11 New Hampshire | $96,433 | Details → |
| #12 Rhode Island | $96,433 | Details → |
| #13 Colorado | $95,540 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $94,647 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $91,969 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $91,969 | Details → |
| #17 Minnesota | $90,183 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $89,290 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $89,290 | Details → |
| #20 Nevada | $88,397 | Details → |
| #21 Pennsylvania | $88,397 | Details → |
| #22 Arizona | $86,611 | Details → |
| #23 Illinois | $86,611 | Details → |
| #24 Utah | $86,611 | Details → |
| #25 Texas | $83,933 | Details → |
| #26 Wisconsin | $83,933 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $83,040 | Details → |
| #28 Montana | $83,040 | Details → |
| #29 Idaho | $82,147 | Details → |
| #30 North Carolina | $82,147 | Details → |
| #31 Ohio | $82,147 | Details → |
| #32 Louisiana | $81,254 | Details → |
| #33 New Mexico | $81,254 | Details → |
| #34 Tennessee | $81,254 | Details → |
| #35 Indiana | $80,361 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $80,361 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $80,361 | Details → |
| #38 North Dakota | $80,361 | Details → |
| #39 Wyoming | $80,361 | Details → |
| #40 Iowa | $79,468 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $79,468 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $78,575 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $78,575 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $77,682 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $77,682 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $77,682 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $75,004 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $73,218 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $73,218 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $72,325 | Details → |
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Speech-Language Pathologists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $30,710 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Key Responsibilities
- ● Evaluate speech, language, and swallowing disorders
- ● Develop individualized treatment plans for patients
- ● Provide therapy to improve communication skills
- ● Counsel patients and families on communication strategies
- ● Collaborate with teachers and other professionals on care plans
Top Skills
Education Required
Master's degree
Job Outlook
Much faster than average — projected 19% growth over the next decade
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