Shigoto Zukan
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How to become speech-language pathologistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Healthcare Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$97,870
25th–75th pct. $77,730–$114,570
Top pay (est.)
$174,400
Top 10% $134,160
Pay in 5 years
$116,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$138,100est.
$118,700–$160,300
Outlook score
70/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
37%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+16.6%
12K openings / yr

How to become speech-language pathologists

Typical education
Master's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.0
Writing
4.4
Social Perceptiveness
4.2
Active Learning
4.2
Speaking
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Learning Strategies
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language
5.7
Education and Training
5.5
Therapy and Counseling
5.1
Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Psychology
4.9
Administrative
4.0
Sociology and Anthropology
3.7
Computers and Electronics
3.6

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Speech RecognitionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Master's degree
89%
Post-master's certificate
11%

Training before entry

1–3 months
28%
Up to 1 month
20%
3–6 months
18%
1–2 years
14%
None / short demo
13%
6–12 months
8%

Related work experience

1–2 years
73%
2–4 years
18%
6–12 months
8%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as speech-language pathologists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.