Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess and treat speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders.
U.S. median pay
$47.05/hr
$97,870/yr
Projected growth
+16.6%
2025–35
Openings per year
12,500
average, 2025–35
Typical education
Master's degree

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.

How people get started

At least a master's degree, which usually takes 2 years after a bachelor's, followed by supervised clinical experience. BLS: How to become one

Licensing in one line

Every state requires a license. SLPs who work in schools may also need a teaching certification.

Therapy and rehabilitation careers

  1. Respiratory TherapistAssociate's degree or higher
  2. Occupational TherapistMaster's degree, 2–3 years
  3. Speech-Language PathologistMaster's degree, about 2 years
  4. Physical TherapistDPT, typically 3 years

Pay

What speech-language pathologists earn

Pay in every state

U.S. median hourly pay · BLS May 2025

$47.05

an hour · $97,870 a year

10th
$30.24
25th
$37.37
Median
$47.05
75th
$55.08
90th
$64.50

Hourly pay range: 10th percentile $30.24/hr, median $47.05/hr, 90th percentile $64.50/hr.

Schools

Programs that lead here

All schools content
Speech-language pathology graduate programsUsually 2 years after a bachelor's. Master's degree.Accreditation: CAA

Licensing

Licensing and verification

Find your state's board

Every state requires a license. SLPs who work in schools may also need a teaching certification.

“All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed.” BLS

Work in more than one state: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) Commission

Covers audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Check the official member map · How compacts work

California

Full California guide: boards, lookups and key requirements. California SLP licensing

Clinical rotations

For students

Your first clinical rotationThe checklist, from documents to day one.Licensing examsWhich exam you'll take after graduating.From student to first shiftBoard application to first paid shift.

Working with SHIFTit

SHIFTit connects healthcare facilities with SHIFTerz directly. See which roles and places SHIFTit works with today.

See how it works

Related careers and comparisons

Occupational TherapistPhysical Therapist

Sources

Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.