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 Pathology Assistants
SOC: 31-9099 O*NET: 31-9099.01
Median Salary
$48,430
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Speech-Language Pathology Assistants do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$34,770
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,470
25th percentile
Median
$48,430
50th percentile
Experienced
$59,710
75th percentile
Top Earners
$71,470
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,770
25th
$39,470
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,430
Mean: $50,810
75th
$59,710
90th
$71,470
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $36,700 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,470 and $59,710
- •Salary spread is 41.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 109,740 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:109,700
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services25.9%
Hospitals19.7%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners8.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.5%
Annual Openings:14,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)109,700
Current
2034 (Projected)113,500
+3.5%
+3,800
Employment Change
+3.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
23,590 jobs$49,1301.84x
Texas
10,320 jobs$45,2501.04x
Florida
5,550 jobs$45,7000.79x
New York
5,470 jobs$56,5100.80x
Missouri
4,410 jobs$39,9402.13x
Pennsylvania
4,160 jobs$45,1600.97x
Maryland
3,170 jobs$43,6801.62x
Washington
3,140 jobs$62,0401.25x
Arizona
3,070 jobs$49,9401.34x
Minnesota
2,940 jobs$45,9301.41x
Oregon
2,650 jobs$47,5101.91x
Colorado
2,650 jobs$47,3301.31x
New Jersey
2,640 jobs$49,6000.87x
North Carolina
2,470 jobs$47,0800.71x
Michigan
2,220 jobs$40,2800.72x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
English Language
100%
#3
Speech Clarity
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
Education and Training
88%
#7
Reading Comprehension
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Social Perceptiveness
80%
#10
Therapy and Counseling
76%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Speech Clarity
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Education and Training
intermediate4.4
88%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Education and Training
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Therapy and Counseling
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speech Recognition
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Physician Assistants100%
5 shared skills
Child, Family, and School Social Workers100%
5 shared skills
Dietitians and Nutritionists100%
5 shared skills
Emergency Medicine Physicians100%
5 shared skills
Paralegals and Legal Assistants100%
5 shared skills
School Psychologists100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓English Language
- ✓Education and Training
Learn on the Job:
- →Service Orientation
- →Psychology
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓English Language
- ✓Education and Training
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★English Language
- ★Education and Training
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants professionals typically have a SCI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.81
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.81
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.80
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.79
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.62
Social Orientation
CriticalSocial Orientation
Importance Level4.60
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Concern for Others
4.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Self-Control
4.6
Social Orientation
4.6
Initiative
4.5
Persistence
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
11.1k program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
2.2k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.8k program completions/year
Hondros College of Nursing
Columbus, OH
1.7k program completions/year
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV
1.5k program completions/year
Mountainland Technical College
Lehi, UT
1.4k program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
1.3k program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
1.3k program completions/year
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL
1.3k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
1.2k program completions/year
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
1.2k program completions/year