What is the salary of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

The typical salary range is $32,234 - $64,469 per year.

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Is Speech-Language Pathology Assistant a good fit for someone like me?

Medical & WelfareStableBright Outlook

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Operational-level

Also known as: Anatomic Pathology Assistant, Certified Pathology Assistant, Communication Assistant, Hearing and Speech Assistant

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.

Speech-Language PathologyCommunication DisordersSpeech TherapyAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)HealthcareAllied HealthPatient CareMedical Support

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the pediatric therapy clinic just before 8:30 AM. The waiting room is quiet for now. You head to your office, open your laptop, and log into the clinic's EHR system to review your schedule for the morning. Mrs. Chen, a five-year-old working on the /r/ sound, is first. You pull her file and gather your materials: articulation cards, a small mirror, and a tablet loaded with speech therapy apps. You mentally review the SLP's specific goals for today's session, ensuring you're ready to implement her plan precisely.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+4.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

14,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

113,900

in 2025 → 119,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career shows rapid growth, with a projected employment change of +4.8% through 2035 and about 14,100 job openings each year. The median annual wage is $48,430, and the overall outlook for the career is stable. Many assistants advance by pursuing further education to become Speech-Language Pathologists.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Medical Assistant
Rehabilitation Aide
Patient Care Assistant

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Where it can lead

Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Education Teacher
Clinical Supervisor (SLP)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly support speech-language pathology assistants by automating data collection, analyzing speech patterns for diagnosis, and personalizing therapy exercises. While AI won't replace direct patient interaction, it can enhance efficiency, provide advanced analytical insights, and free up assistants to focus more on direct patient support and critical thinking.

Salary

$48,430

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position