Speech-language pathologist salary in the USA is around $97,870 per year at the median level, according to the latest May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A speech-language pathologist, often called an SLP or speech therapist, helps people with speech, language, communication and swallowing problems. The speech-language pathologist salary can be different based on state, experience, work setting and type of employer. Some SLPs working in hospitals and nursing care can earn more, while school-based speech-language pathologists may have a different pay pattern and work schedule. In this guide, we look at speech-language pathologist salary in USA, SLP salary per hour, monthly income, salary by state, highest paying states, entry level SLP salary and what an experienced speech-language pathologist can make.
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Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in the USA
The median speech-language pathologist salary in the United States was $97,870 per year in May 2025. This is about $47.05 per hour when the annual figure is converted using a standard full-time work schedule. But salary is not same for every SLP. Some workers are below this level when starting their career, while experienced professionals and those working in higher-paying locations can earn well above $100,000 a year.
The latest BLS figures show that the lowest 10 percent of speech-language pathologists earned less than $62,900 a year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $134,160. This gives a wide salary range and shows why location, experience and workplace can make a big difference in SLP pay.
Speech-language pathology is also a growing healthcare career. BLS projects employment for speech-language pathologists to grow by 17 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. Around 12,500 openings are projected each year during that period, on average.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Quick Facts
- Median annual SLP salary: $97,870
- Median hourly SLP pay: $47.05 per hour
- Lowest 10%: Less than $62,900 per year
- Highest 10%: More than $134,160 per year
- Typical education: Master's degree in speech-language pathology
- License: Required in all states
- Projected job growth: 17% from 2025 to 2035
- Average yearly job openings: About 12,500
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Per Hour
The median speech-language pathologist salary per hour is about $47.05. This is a useful number for people searching for speech therapist hourly pay or SLP hourly salary. However, actual hourly pay can be lower or higher depending on the employer, state and experience.
For example, a new SLP may not start near the national median. On the other hand, an experienced speech-language pathologist in a high-paying state or specialized healthcare setting may earn considerably more. Contract and per-diem SLP work can also have an hourly rate that looks higher, but the worker may not receive the same benefits or paid time off as a full-time employee.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual salary of $97,870, the monthly salary works out to roughly $8,156 per month before taxes. This is only a simple annual-to-monthly calculation. Actual monthly paychecks can be different because of taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, overtime, unpaid time off and the way an employer schedules payments.
- Annual median salary: $97,870
- Approximate monthly salary: $8,156
- Approximate weekly salary: $1,882
- Median hourly wage: $47.05
These figures should be viewed as gross income before taxes and other deductions. A person working part time or only during the school year may have a different annual income even when the hourly rate is good.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by State
Speech-language pathologist salary by state can vary a lot across the United States. California is one of the strongest-paying states for SLPs, with a 2025 median salary of about $118,970. Colorado is also above $110,000 at the median. At the lower end, several states have median salaries in the $60,000 to $80,000 range.
The table below uses May 2025 median annual salary figures for Speech-Language Pathologists. District of Columbia is not included because this table is for the 50 U.S. states.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $73,660 |
| Alaska | $102,670 |
| Arizona | $97,800 |
| Arkansas | $83,580 |
| California | $118,970 |
| Colorado | $110,750 |
| Connecticut | $100,110 |
| Delaware | $102,760 |
| Florida | $99,990 |
| Georgia | $96,760 |
| Hawaii | $97,560 |
| Idaho | $84,380 |
| Illinois | $95,080 |
| Indiana | $87,360 |
| Iowa | $81,050 |
| Kansas | $80,120 |
| Kentucky | $83,550 |
| Louisiana | $69,610 |
| Maine | $82,660 |
| Maryland | $99,190 |
| Massachusetts | $101,310 |
| Michigan | $89,120 |
| Minnesota | $89,380 |
| Mississippi | $78,130 |
| Missouri | $89,280 |
| Montana | $78,740 |
| Nebraska | $84,350 |
| Nevada | $104,510 |
| New Hampshire | $83,040 |
| New Jersey | $101,560 |
| New Mexico | $98,690 |
| New York | $100,610 |
| North Carolina | $86,460 |
| North Dakota | $75,240 |
| Ohio | $93,300 |
| Oklahoma | $84,470 |
| Oregon | $102,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $92,960 |
| Rhode Island | $104,000 |
| South Carolina | $90,530 |
| South Dakota | $65,680 |
| Tennessee | $84,630 |
| Texas | $99,910 |
| Utah | $91,560 |
| Vermont | $82,090 |
| Virginia | $96,250 |
| Washington | $105,550 |
| West Virginia | $80,970 |
| Wisconsin | $83,000 |
| Wyoming | $82,040 |
Highest Paying States for Speech-Language Pathologists
If salary is the main thing you are checking, some states stand out clearly. California has the highest reported median salary among the states, followed by Colorado, Washington, Nevada, Rhode Island and Delaware. Several other states also have median SLP salaries above $100,000.
- California: $118,970 median annual salary
- Colorado: $110,750
- Washington: $105,550
- Nevada: $104,510
- Rhode Island: $104,000
- Delaware: $102,760
- Alaska: $102,670
- Oregon: $102,660
- New Jersey: $101,560
- Massachusetts: $101,310
But highest salary does not always mean the best financial choice. Housing, taxes, transportation and everyday expenses can be much different from one state to another. An SLP making a little less in a lower-cost area can sometimes have more money left after normal living expenses.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?
So, how much does a speech-language pathologist make in the USA? The short answer is around $97,870 a year at the national median. But there is no single salary for every speech-language pathologist. New professionals can earn below the median, while experienced SLPs, specialized workers and people in high-paying states can go above $100,000 and sometimes much higher.
The work setting also matters. According to BLS, the median wages in May 2025 were higher in nursing and residential care facilities and hospitals than in educational services. This is one reason two SLPs with similar education can have different salaries.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Alabama
The speech-language pathologist salary in Alabama is lower than the national median, with the median annual pay around $73,660. Alabama can be a good option for an SLP who wants a lower cost of living compared with many large coastal states. New speech-language pathologists may start below the state median, while experienced SLPs with more clinical skills can move toward higher pay.
SLPs in Alabama can work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities and private therapy offices. The actual salary can also change depending on whether the position is full time, part time or contract based.
- Median salary: about $73,660
- Common employers: schools, hospitals and therapy centers
- Experienced SLPs may earn above the state median
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Alaska
Alaska has one of the higher speech-language pathologist salary levels in the country, with a median annual salary around $102,670. The higher pay can be attractive, but SLPs also need to think about the cost of living and the distance between communities. Some positions outside the major population centers can have additional challenges.
Speech-language pathologists in Alaska may work with children in schools or provide services in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare locations. Experienced professionals with strong clinical backgrounds can have more opportunities for better-paying positions.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arizona
The SLP salary in Arizona is around $97,800 at the median level. This is close to the national speech-language pathologist salary. Arizona has a growing population and demand for healthcare and educational services, which can create opportunities for speech therapists.
Arizona SLPs may work with children who have speech delays, adults recovering from stroke and patients with communication or swallowing problems. A person's specialty and workplace can make a noticeable difference in annual income.
- Median salary: about $97,800
- Speech therapist jobs are available in healthcare and schools
- Specialized clinical experience can improve earning potential
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Arkansas
Speech-language pathologists in Arkansas have a median salary of about $83,580 per year. The state is below the national median, but the lower living costs in many parts of Arkansas can make the salary more useful for some workers.
School systems are an important employer for speech-language pathologists. Hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and private practices also hire SLPs. Someone searching for an entry level speech-language pathologist salary in Arkansas should not expect the national median immediately after finishing school.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in California
California is one of the highest-paying states for speech-language pathologists. The median SLP salary is around $118,970 per year, putting California well above the national median. This makes California an important state for people searching for the highest paying states for speech-language pathologists.
California has a large healthcare system, many school districts and a high number of private therapy providers. There are opportunities for SLPs in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and private practice.
- Median salary: about $118,970
- One of the highest-paying states for SLPs
- Large healthcare and education job market
- Cost of living is also high in many areas
Because housing and other expenses can be high, an SLP should not compare salary alone. A $118,000 salary in California does not have exactly the same buying power as the same salary in a lower-cost state.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Colorado
Colorado is another strong state for speech-language pathologist pay. The median annual salary is around $110,750. This puts the state above the national SLP salary of $97,870.
Colorado has demand across schools, healthcare facilities and private therapy practices. SLPs working in larger cities may find more job choices, while rural areas can sometimes offer different incentives to attract qualified healthcare professionals.
For an experienced speech-language pathologist, Colorado can be an attractive state because salary is relatively strong. However, housing costs in popular areas should also be considered before moving only for a higher paycheck.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Connecticut
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Connecticut is about $100,110 per year. This is slightly above the national median. Connecticut offers SLP jobs in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient healthcare settings.
School-based SLPs can have a different schedule from hospital-based professionals. Some school positions may include summer breaks, while hospital and healthcare jobs may provide a more traditional year-round schedule.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Delaware
Delaware has a median SLP salary of approximately $102,760. This makes it one of the states where speech-language pathologists can earn more than the national median. Because Delaware is a relatively small state, job opportunities may be concentrated around particular population areas.
- Median salary: about $102,760
- Salary is above the U.S. median
- Schools and healthcare providers are common employers
- Experience can help SLPs move into higher-paying positions
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Florida
The speech-language pathologist salary in Florida is around $99,990 at the median. Florida has a large and growing population, along with many hospitals, rehabilitation providers, nursing facilities and schools.
SLPs can work with children, adults and older patients. The state also has a large older population, which creates opportunities for professionals working with communication and swallowing disorders related to aging and neurological conditions.
Florida is also popular with healthcare professionals who want a warm climate and a large job market. But living expenses differ significantly between cities, so salary should be compared with local housing costs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Georgia
Georgia has a median speech-language pathologist salary of about $96,760 per year. This is close to the national median. Atlanta and other growing population centers provide a wide range of healthcare and education jobs for SLPs.
A speech therapist in Georgia may work in a school, hospital, outpatient clinic or private practice. Those with additional experience and a specialized clinical area may have better earning opportunities than someone entering the profession for the first time.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Hawaii
The median SLP salary in Hawaii is around $97,560 per year, which is very close to the national median. Hawaii can provide unique work opportunities for speech-language pathologists, but the cost of housing and everyday expenses can be much higher than in many mainland states.
SLPs working in Hawaii may find jobs in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation programs and private clinics. Because the state has a smaller population than many large states, job availability can depend on location and employer needs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Idaho
Speech-language pathologists in Idaho earn a median salary of around $84,380. The state is below the national median, but Idaho has experienced population growth in several areas, which can support demand for healthcare and educational services.
School-based speech therapy is an important part of the profession in Idaho. SLPs may also work with adults in healthcare settings. Rural areas can have different employment conditions from larger cities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Illinois
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Illinois is about $95,080. Illinois has a large healthcare and education system, with opportunities in cities as well as smaller communities.
SLPs in Illinois may work with children who have developmental speech and language disorders or adults recovering from medical conditions that affect speech, language or swallowing. Experience in a particular specialty can help a professional qualify for different types of jobs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Indiana
Indiana has a median SLP salary of approximately $87,360 per year. The state is below the national median, but the cost of living in many Indiana communities is also lower than in some of the highest-paying coastal markets.
Speech-language pathologists can find employment in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics. New graduates may begin below the state median and increase their earnings as they gain clinical experience.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Iowa
The median salary for a speech-language pathologist in Iowa is around $81,050. Iowa provides opportunities in public schools, healthcare organizations, rehabilitation services and private practices.
For someone searching for an SLP salary by state, Iowa is an example of a market where the annual salary is lower than the U.S. median. Still, salary should be looked at together with housing and other living costs.
- Median salary: about $81,050
- Schools are an important employment area
- Healthcare and rehabilitation jobs are also available
- Experience can improve earning potential
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kansas
The speech-language pathologist salary in Kansas is around $80,120 per year at the median. Kansas has a lower salary level compared with states such as California and Colorado, but many communities have lower living costs too.
SLPs can work in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities and private clinics. Rural communities may have fewer positions but can sometimes provide opportunities for professionals willing to work outside larger cities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Kentucky
Kentucky has a median annual SLP salary of approximately $83,550. Speech-language pathologists in the state work across education and healthcare, helping children and adults with communication, speech and swallowing disorders.
Entry-level speech-language pathologists normally earn less than experienced professionals. As clinical experience grows, an SLP may qualify for jobs with more responsibility or move into specialized services.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Louisiana
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Louisiana is around $69,610. This is one of the lower state salary levels in the country, although local living expenses can also be lower than in many major metropolitan markets.
Louisiana SLPs work in schools, hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities. A professional who wants to increase income may look at different work settings, specialty areas or additional contract opportunities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Maine
Maine has a median SLP salary of approximately $82,660 per year. Speech-language pathologists can find jobs in schools and healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing care settings.
Maine has many smaller communities, so location can play a big role in job availability. An SLP willing to work outside the biggest population centers may find different employment opportunities than someone searching only in larger cities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Maryland
The speech-language pathologist salary in Maryland is around $99,190 per year at the median. Maryland is close to the national median and benefits from a large healthcare system and its location near major population centers.
SLPs may work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities and private practices. Professionals with several years of experience can often compete for positions above the entry-level pay range.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a median speech-language pathologist salary of about $101,310. The state has a large healthcare and education sector, with many hospitals, clinics, schools and research-related organizations.
SLPs working in Massachusetts may have opportunities to specialize in pediatric therapy, neurological rehabilitation, swallowing disorders or other areas. Higher specialization can sometimes support stronger pay, although it depends on the employer and job market.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Michigan
The median SLP salary in Michigan is around $89,120 per year. Michigan has a broad healthcare system and many school districts that employ speech-language pathologists.
SLPs can work with both children and adults. Hospital and nursing-care positions may have different pay and schedules compared with school-based jobs. The right work setting can be important for both income and work-life balance.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Minnesota
Minnesota has a median annual speech-language pathologist salary of approximately $89,380. The state has a strong healthcare sector and many educational employers, giving SLPs several possible career paths.
A professional working in a hospital or specialized healthcare setting may have a different earning level from an SLP working in a school. Benefits, paid leave and retirement plans should also be considered when comparing total compensation.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Mississippi
The median SLP salary in Mississippi is about $78,130 per year. This is below the national median, but the salary may go further in areas where housing and everyday costs are lower.
Mississippi speech-language pathologists can work with children in schools or provide therapy for adults in hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. Experience, specialty and employer can all affect actual pay.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Missouri
Missouri has a median speech-language pathologist salary of around $89,280. The state has both large metropolitan areas and smaller communities, giving SLPs different types of employment markets.
Speech therapists can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private practices. An experienced SLP may also have opportunities to move into supervisory or specialized clinical positions.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Montana
The median salary for speech-language pathologists in Montana is approximately $78,740. Montana is a lower-paying state for SLPs compared with some western states such as California, Colorado and Washington.
However, rural and smaller communities can provide valuable opportunities for licensed professionals. Someone who is flexible about location may find positions that are harder to fill in certain areas.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Nebraska
Nebraska has a median SLP salary of around $84,350 per year. The state provides employment opportunities through schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other healthcare providers.
For new SLPs, the starting salary can be lower than the state median. With experience, better clinical skills and the right employer, annual pay can move upward.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Nevada
Nevada is one of the higher-paying states for speech-language pathologists, with a median annual salary around $104,510. This is above the national median and makes Nevada an interesting state for people comparing SLP salary by state.
Las Vegas and the Reno area provide larger employment markets, while other parts of Nevada are more spread out. SLPs should compare salary with local housing and living costs when considering a move.
- Median salary: about $104,510
- Above the national SLP median
- Larger job markets around major cities
- Experience and specialty may increase earning potential
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in New Hampshire
The median speech-language pathologist salary in New Hampshire is about $83,040 per year. The state has opportunities in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient healthcare settings.
New Hampshire is close to larger New England employment markets, so some professionals may also compare local opportunities with neighboring states. Salary, commute and cost of living all matter when choosing between jobs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey has a median SLP salary of approximately $101,560 per year. This puts the state above the national median. New Jersey has a large population and many hospitals, schools, rehabilitation providers and private therapy practices.
Experienced speech-language pathologists may find opportunities in specialized healthcare services and larger organizations. However, the cost of housing in many parts of New Jersey is high, so a higher salary does not automatically mean lower financial pressure.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in New Mexico
The median speech-language pathologist salary in New Mexico is around $98,690 per year. This is slightly above the national median. SLPs can work in schools, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.
New Mexico also has rural and remote communities where access to healthcare services can be more limited. Licensed SLPs who are open to different locations may find opportunities outside the largest cities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in New York
The speech-language pathologist salary in New York is around $100,610 per year at the median level. New York has a large healthcare and education system, so SLPs can find work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities and private practices.
New York City and other larger population areas can have many job opportunities, but living costs can also be much higher. An SLP should look at the salary together with housing, transportation and other expenses before deciding where to work.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in North Carolina
North Carolina has a median speech-language pathologist salary of about $86,460 per year. The state has a growing healthcare sector and many school districts that employ speech-language pathologists.
SLPs in North Carolina can work with children who have language or speech delays, as well as adults who need rehabilitation after an illness or injury. Experience and work setting can move actual pay above or below the state median.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in North Dakota
The median SLP salary in North Dakota is around $75,240 per year. This is below the national median, but North Dakota has healthcare and school-based opportunities for licensed speech-language pathologists.
Some professionals may choose smaller communities because they can offer different job opportunities than larger cities. Rural healthcare can be an important part of an SLP career in states with smaller populations.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Ohio
Ohio speech-language pathologists have a median salary of approximately $93,300 per year. Ohio has a large network of hospitals, schools, nursing facilities and rehabilitation providers.
The state can be a good market for SLPs who want different work settings. Someone interested in pediatric speech therapy may look at school districts, while professionals working with adults may prefer hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Oklahoma
The speech-language pathologist salary in Oklahoma is around $84,470 per year at the median. Oklahoma has opportunities for SLPs in schools and healthcare organizations across both urban and rural areas.
New graduates may start below the state median. As they gain clinical experience and become more comfortable with different types of communication and swallowing disorders, their earning potential can improve.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Oregon
Oregon has a relatively high SLP salary, with a median annual pay of about $102,660. This puts Oregon above the national median for speech-language pathologists.
SLPs can find opportunities in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics and private practices. Oregon's larger cities generally have more healthcare employers, while rural areas may offer a different type of job market.
- Median salary: about $102,660
- Above the U.S. median SLP salary
- Healthcare and school jobs are available
- Private practice is another possible work setting
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a median speech-language pathologist salary of approximately $92,960 per year. The state has a large healthcare industry and many school districts, giving SLPs several career options.
Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities may offer different compensation from schools. Professionals should also check benefits, paid time off and retirement plans when comparing two SLP jobs with similar salaries.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rhode Island
The median SLP salary in Rhode Island is about $104,000 per year. This makes Rhode Island one of the higher-paying states for speech-language pathologists.
The state is small, so the total number of jobs is not as large as in states such as California, Texas or New York. Still, SLPs can find opportunities in healthcare, schools and other therapy settings.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in South Carolina
South Carolina has a median annual speech-language pathologist salary of around $90,530. The state has employment opportunities in public schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities and private therapy offices.
Demand for speech and language services can come from both children and adults. SLPs who build experience in a particular area may have more choices when looking for their next position.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in South Dakota
The median SLP salary in South Dakota is approximately $65,680 per year. This is one of the lower reported state median salaries in the country.
However, salary should not be judged alone. South Dakota has many communities where living expenses are lower than in major coastal cities. For an SLP who prefers a smaller community, the overall financial picture can be different.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Tennessee
Tennessee has a median speech-language pathologist salary of about $84,630 per year. The state has growing healthcare markets around cities such as Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville, along with many school systems.
An SLP may work with children in schools or with adults in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Different employers can offer different schedules and benefit packages even when the base salary looks similar.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Texas
The speech-language pathologist salary in Texas is around $99,910 per year at the median. Texas has one of the largest populations in the country and a large healthcare and education system, which creates many possible SLP employment opportunities.
SLPs can work in large cities such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, as well as smaller communities. Salary can vary by location, employer and experience.
- Median salary: about $99,910
- Large healthcare and education job market
- Many opportunities for pediatric SLPs
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers also employ SLPs
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Utah
Utah has a median SLP salary of around $91,560 per year. The state has a growing population and healthcare system, with speech-language pathologists working in schools, clinics and medical facilities.
SLPs who work in specialized clinical areas may have opportunities to earn more than the general state median. Experience is also important when moving from entry-level positions to more advanced jobs.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Vermont
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Vermont is approximately $82,090 per year. Vermont is a smaller state, so the number of available SLP jobs is also smaller compared with larger states.
School-based services are an important part of speech-language pathology. Healthcare organizations and private practices also provide career opportunities for licensed professionals.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Virginia
Virginia has a median SLP salary of about $96,250 per year. The state has a broad mix of public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation providers and private healthcare organizations.
SLPs near major metropolitan areas may find more employers and different types of positions. However, salaries and living costs can both be higher in those locations.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Washington
Washington is one of the stronger-paying states for speech-language pathologists. The median annual salary is around $105,550, which is well above the national median.
The state has large healthcare employers, school systems and private therapy providers. Washington can be attractive for experienced SLPs, although housing costs can be high in some areas.
- Median salary: about $105,550
- Above the national median
- Strong healthcare and education sectors
- Higher living costs in some major cities
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in West Virginia
The median SLP salary in West Virginia is approximately $80,970 per year. Speech-language pathologists can work in schools, hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient therapy settings.
Because West Virginia has many smaller communities, location flexibility can be useful for an SLP searching for employment. Some professionals may prefer rural work because of the different work environment and patient population.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a median speech-language pathologist salary of around $83,000 per year. The state provides opportunities in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private practices.
Wisconsin SLPs may choose between pediatric and adult-focused work depending on their interests. Additional experience and specialization can help a professional qualify for higher-level positions.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Wyoming
The median SLP salary in Wyoming is about $82,040 per year. Wyoming has a smaller population and fewer total healthcare employers than large states, but licensed speech-language pathologists can still find opportunities in schools and medical settings.
Rural healthcare is an important part of the state. An SLP who is comfortable working in a smaller community may find career opportunities that are not available in the larger cities.
Entry-Level Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
An entry-level speech-language pathologist usually earns less than the national median salary. New SLPs are still building clinical experience, learning workplace systems and developing confidence with different patient populations.
The starting salary can vary greatly by state and employer. A school position, hospital position and private clinic position may all have different starting pay. Benefits can also make a big difference to total compensation.
- New graduates may start below the national median.
- Location has a major effect on starting pay.
- Hospital and healthcare positions can have different pay from school jobs.
- Experience can increase salary over time.
Experienced Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
Experienced speech-language pathologists can earn significantly more than entry-level professionals. With several years of clinical work, an SLP may become more valuable to employers and may qualify for specialized or senior positions.
Experience with complex patients, swallowing disorders, neurological rehabilitation or other specialized services can be useful. Some experienced SLPs also move into supervisory, management, consulting or private practice roles.
At the upper end of the profession, BLS reports that the highest-paid 10 percent of speech-language pathologists earned more than $134,160 per year in May 2025.
SLP Salary by Work Setting
Where a speech-language pathologist works can have a major effect on pay. SLPs are not limited to one type of workplace. They can work in schools, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, outpatient healthcare and private practice.
BLS May 2025 data shows that median pay differs between these industries. Nursing and residential care facilities and hospitals were among the higher-paying settings, while educational services had a lower median wage.
- Hospitals: Often provide competitive salaries and healthcare benefits.
- Nursing and residential care: Can offer strong pay for SLP professionals working with older patients.
- Schools: Popular for pediatric SLP work and may offer school-calendar schedules.
- Outpatient healthcare: Provides opportunities for ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
- Private practice: Can offer more independence and, for some owners, higher income potential.
Speech Therapist Salary vs SLP Salary
People often search for speech therapist salary and SLP salary as if they are two different careers. In the United States, these terms are commonly used for the same profession. Speech-language pathologist is the formal occupational title, while speech therapist and SLP are commonly used shorter terms.
The actual salary depends more on the person's location, employer, experience and type of work than on which name is used. When searching online for jobs, it can be useful to search all of these terms because employers may use different job titles.
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Becoming a speech-language pathologist requires more education than many entry-level healthcare jobs. Most people entering the profession need a master's degree in speech-language pathology, followed by the required supervised clinical experience and state licensing process.
Licensing requirements can differ by state. Students should check the requirements in the state where they plan to practice before choosing a program.
- Complete an appropriate undergraduate education.
- Complete a master's degree in speech-language pathology.
- Complete required clinical experience.
- Meet the licensing requirements of the state.
- Continue professional learning and maintain required credentials.
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
A speech-language pathologist helps people who have problems with communication, speech, language or swallowing. The people they work with can range from young children to older adults. Some patients have developmental conditions, while others may develop communication problems after an injury, stroke or other medical condition.
The daily work can include evaluating a patient, creating a treatment plan, providing therapy and checking progress. SLPs may also communicate with parents, teachers, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Is Speech-Language Pathology a Good Career?
Speech-language pathology can be a strong career choice for someone who enjoys healthcare, communication and helping people. The national median salary is close to $100,000, and the profession also has a much faster than average projected employment growth.
BLS projects employment for speech-language pathologists to grow by 17% from 2025 to 2035. About 12,500 openings are projected each year on average. This growth can make SLP an interesting option for people looking for a healthcare career with long-term demand.
Still, becoming an SLP takes several years of education and clinical training. The job also requires patience because progress for some patients can be slow. So salary is only one part of deciding whether this career is right for you.
What Can Increase a Speech-Language Pathologist Salary?
There is no single trick that guarantees a higher SLP salary. But several factors can improve earning potential over a career. Experience is one of the most common factors, while location and work setting can also make a big difference.
- Gaining several years of clinical experience
- Working in a higher-paying state
- Working in hospitals or other higher-paying healthcare settings
- Developing specialized clinical skills
- Taking contract or per-diem work when it makes financial sense
- Moving into senior or supervisory roles
- Opening or joining a private practice
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Outlook
The future outlook for speech-language pathologists is strong. The aging population can increase the need for services related to stroke, neurological conditions and other communication or swallowing problems. Children with speech and language disorders also need evaluation and therapy, keeping demand present in schools and healthcare settings.
With projected employment growth of 17% between 2025 and 2035, speech-language pathology is expected to grow much faster than many other occupations. For people who are willing to complete the required education and licensing, this can make SLP a solid long-term healthcare career.
Final Thoughts on Speech-Language Pathologist Salary
The speech-language pathologist salary in the USA is about $97,870 per year at the national median, based on May 2025 BLS data. Pay can range from much lower salaries for some entry-level workers to more than $134,160 for the highest-paid 10 percent. State, experience, work setting and specialization all have an important role in actual income.
California, Colorado, Washington, Nevada and several other states stand out for higher SLP salaries, while some states have lower median pay. When choosing where to work, it is better to compare salary with cost of living, benefits, job availability and personal career goals rather than looking at the salary number alone.
For people interested in a healthcare career that combines medical knowledge, communication and direct patient care, speech-language pathology can offer good earning potential along with strong future job demand.