Employment Settings for SLPs: Career Paths for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Where do SLPs work?

Individuals aiming to pursue SLP employment may ask, “Are speech pathologists in demand?” SLPs can build careers across a variety of professional settings. They offer opportunities to support individuals with communication and swallowing challenges. Common work environments include the following:

• Educational Settings: Many SLPs work in schools to help students overcome speech and language difficulties that affect learning and social interaction. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and special education staff to create supportive learning environments.
• Healthcare Settings: In hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing facilities, SLPs treat patients with speech, language, or swallowing disorders caused by medical conditions. These medical issues include strokes, brain injuries, or developmental delays.
• Private Practice: Some SLPs operate independently or join small practices to offer personalized therapy services. This setting provides flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities to focus on specialty areas, such as pediatric or adult communication disorders.
• Corporate Settings: SLPs may support professionals with voice training, accent modification, or communication skills. They help employees improve their confidence and workplace performance.
• Government: Government agencies employ SLPs in public health programs, research initiatives, and community services. SLPs working for the government ensure access to speech and language care at broader levels.

What qualifications do you need to become a school-based speech-language pathologist?

US schools set eligibility requirements for SLP employment to ensure that professionals are prepared to support students’ communication and learning needs. The primary qualifications include the following:

Master’s Degree in Speech-language Pathology

Aspiring SLPs may ask, “Do you need a masters for speech pathology?” Generally, SLPs are required to earn a master’s degree, including school-based SLPs, who must complete a graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Reputable programs provide advanced training in communication disorders, assessment methods, and intervention strategies.

State Licensure or Certification

Each state requires SLPs to hold a professional license or certification to practice, such as the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Requirements usually include passing the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and completing supervised clinical hours.

Education-specific Credentials

Many states require SLPs to earn additional certification to work in schools, such as a teaching license or state department of education credential. This ensures that SLPs are equipped to collaborate in educational environments and support students’ individualized education programs (IEPs).

For instance, California requires SLPs to earn the Speech-language Pathology Services Credential (CL-879) to be able to serve in the state’s public schools. Candidates are given 2 years to complete the requirements to earn the preliminary credential and the clear credential.

How is hospital work for SLPs different from school work?

SLPs play important roles in both hospitals and schools, but their work can differ significantly depending on the setting. Key differences include the following:

• Patient Population: In hospitals, SLPs primarily treat patients with medical conditions, such as strokes, brain injuries, or swallowing disorders. In schools, they focus on children with speech, language, and communication challenges that impact academic performance.
• Goals of Therapy: Hospital-based SLPs aim to restore functional communication and swallowing abilities for medical recovery. They often work in acute or rehabilitative care. Meanwhile, school-based SLPs emphasize supporting language development and communication skills to enhance learning and social participation.
• Work Environment: Hospital-based SLPs work with medical teams in fast-paced clinical environments. School-based SLPs work within educational teams and balance therapy with academic schedules and individualized education programs (IEPs). This highlights the unique distinctions often considered when comparing

It’s also worth noting that schools face staffing challenges. For example, which states have the highest demand for teachers is an ongoing discussion in education policy, and SLP demand often follows similar trends in states where school staffing shortages are more severe.

The chart below provides a visualization of the largest employers of SLPs in the US in 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What certifications can benefit SLP employment?

Certifications play an essential role in enhancing SLP employment in hospitals. They equip professionals with advanced skills, specialized knowledge, and greater credibility in medical and rehabilitative care settings. Moreover, SLPs in the US have decent salary potential, with a 2024 median annual wage of $95,410 (US BLS, 2025), but with additional credentials, SLPs can increase their incomes and improve their employability.

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

The CCC-SLP is a credential offered by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Applicants are required to have graduated from a program that is accredited by or is pending accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). They must also submit their passing Praxis Examination scores and official graduate transcripts.

Certified Autism SpecialistTM

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) offers the Certified Autism Specialist™ credential. Professionals with the certification can provide support services to individuals on the autism spectrum, depending on their areas of specialization.

Applicants are required to hold a master’s degree and 2 years of relevant work experience. Bachelor’s degree holders with over 10 years of work experience may also apply. They must also pass the online Autism Competency Examination and complete 14 hours of continuing education that is directly related to autism, which is renewed every 2 years.

Board Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

The American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders offers the BCS-S credential, which demonstrates SLPs' passion for providing quality clinical services and education. The certification gives applicants two track options: the clinical track and the academic or administration track.

Applicants must also choose to specialize in adult populations or pediatric populations. The examination that they take depends on their demographic selection.

Beyond these, professionals in healthcare often pursue broader credentials. For instance, a certification for healthcare administration can complement clinical certifications by preparing SLPs to take on leadership or management roles in hospital departments.

What skills are most important for SLPs in geriatric care settings?

Working with older adults requires SLPs to develop specialized skills that address the unique communication and swallowing challenges faced by this population. Key skills include the following:

• Clinical Expertise in Dysphagia Management: Many older adults experience swallowing difficulties due to aging or medical conditions. SLPs must accurately assess and manage dysphagia to ensure patient safety and nutritional well-being.
• Compassionate Communication: Geriatric care often involves supporting individuals with cognitive decline or progressive conditions. SLPs must use patience, empathy, and clear communication to build trust and encourage participation in therapy.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: SLPs in geriatric settings frequently work with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and caregivers. Strong teamwork skills ensure coordinated care plans that improve quality of life and overall treatment outcomes.

Geriatric care also reflects broader healthcare challenges. For example, research into the average biomedical engineer salary shows how technical specialists are also valued in healthcare teams. While their roles differ, both engineers and SLPs contribute essential expertise to improving patient outcomes.

What are the benefits of working in private practice as a speech-language pathologist?

Compared to traditional SLP employment, private practice can give SLPs unique opportunities to shape careers while providing individualized care to clients. Key benefits of self-employment include the following:

• Professional Autonomy: In private practice, SLPs have the freedom to design therapy programs, choose their clients, and set their schedules. This independence enables them to have greater flexibility and creativity in delivering care.
• Specialization Opportunities: Private practitioners can focus on specific areas of interest, such as pediatric speech disorders, adult language rehabilitation, or voice therapy. Specialization enhances expertise and attracts clients seeking personalized services.
• Financial Growth Potential: Unlike salaried positions, private practice allows SLPs to control their income by managing caseload size, setting rates, and expanding services. This potential for higher earnings makes it an appealing work setup.

Explore the chart below for a visualization of the highest-paying industries for SLPs in the US in 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS. Moreover, you may check out our guide to the highest-paying US states for SLPs if you are wondering, “Which state pays SLPs the most?”

What is the difference between early intervention and school-based speech therapy?

SLPs support children in both early intervention programs and school settings. However, the focus and delivery of services differ significantly. Key differences include the following:

• Demographic Served: Early intervention caters to infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, addressing developmental delays as early as possible. School-based therapy supports children from preschool through high school, and focuses on academic and social communication needs.
• Service Delivery Model: In early intervention, therapy is often provided in natural environments, such as the home or daycare, with strong involvement from parents. School-based therapy occurs within classrooms or therapy rooms and aligns with academic goals and educational standards.
• Therapeutic Goals: Early intervention emphasizes building foundational communication and preventing long-term challenges. Meanwhile, school-based therapy focuses on supporting language, speech, and social skills that directly impact learning and classroom participation.

Some families exploring school-based services may also be navigating broader education pathways. For instance, programs like MA in education with teacher credentials programs prepare educators to better collaborate with SLPs, ensuring that therapy goals are integrated with academic instruction.

Can speech-language pathologists work in research and academia?

Many individuals considering entering the field of speech-language pathology ask, “Is SLP a good career?” They can build rewarding SLP careers in different work settings, including research and academic institutions.

SLPs employed by these institutions contribute to the advancement of the field while educating future professionals. In academic settings, SLPs may work as professors or clinical educators. They may teach undergraduate and graduate students and supervise clinical practicum experiences.

In research roles, SLPs investigate key topics in the field, such as language development, speech disorders, cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. These positions may involve publishing findings in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and securing grants to fund studies.

Working in academia and research enables SLPs to help improve evidence-based practice and expand knowledge in communication sciences. Their work may also influence policy and clinical guidelines.

How do speech-language pathologists work in corporate environments?

Corporate SLPs work with employers and employees to improve workplace communication, collaboration, and performance. Their primary responsibilities include the following:

Effective Day-to-Day Communication Training

SLPs can help professionals become effective communicators in their daily operations. For instance, they may teach employees how to develop their expressive and receptive languages. SLPs may offer better approaches for employees to share their ideas and understand those of their colleagues. Regular interpersonal-skills training with SLPs can help improve teamwork, employee satisfaction, and workplace productivity.

Public-speaking Skills Development

SLPs can help professionals enhance their public-speaking skills. They may design workshops that touch on vocal health, speaking techniques, nonverbal communication, presentation, and confidence. SLPs may work with individuals who rely heavily on effective communication for their jobs, such as those in leadership roles and broadcasting occupations.

Cultural Understanding

In diverse workplaces, SLPs may help bridge cultural differences and reach cultural understanding. They may assist employees in refining accents or improving language proficiency. This can foster clearer communication, build cultural confidence, and strengthen workplace relationships.

How do government agencies employ speech-language pathologists?

Government agencies hire SLPs to serve communities, support public-health initiatives, and address communication needs across diverse populations. Key areas of SLP employment include the following:

Public Health Programs

SLPs may contribute to federally and state-funded health initiatives. They may offer screenings, early intervention, and therapy services. Their work helps identify and treat communication disorders and improve outcomes for at-risk populations.

Military and Veterans Services

Government agencies, such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs, employ SLPs to assist servicemembers and veterans with speech, language, and swallowing disorders that may occur together with other medical issues. These medical issues include brain injuries, progressive neurological disorders, as well as head and neck surgeries.

Research and Policy Development

Agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), engage SLPs in research and program development. They ensure that policies and practices are guided by evidence-based approaches.

Here’s What SLPs Say about Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know about SLP Employment

What is the difference between occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP)?

Occupational therapy and speech-language pathology often overlap in healthcare and educational settings, but their focus areas remain distinct.

OTs work with patients on skills that promote independence, such as dressing, writing, or improving hand-eye coordination. SLPs, on the other hand, specialize in the mechanics and use of communication, addressing speech clarity, fluency, language comprehension, and swallowing safety.

What pays more: OT or SLP?

In 2024, occupational therapists in the US had a median annual wage of $98,340, which is higher than the $95,410 median annual wage of speech-language pathologists in the same year (US BLS, 2025).

While occupational therapists tend to earn slightly more than speech-language pathologists on average, salaries can vary widely based on setting, experience, and location. OTs often earn higher wages in hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health services, while SLPs may see higher pay in medical settings compared to schools.

What is the highest salary for SLPs?

Earnings at the top level for speech-language pathologists often reflect advanced experience, specialized expertise, and work in high-demand settings. Those in management positions, private practice, or medical environments such as hospitals and residential care facilities are more likely to reach salaries in the top 10%, which can reach over $132,850 (US BLS, 2025).

Geographic location also plays a major role in salary potential. SLPs practicing in states or metropolitan areas with higher costs of living, or where demand for services is especially strong, often see compensation well above the national median.

Is SLP stressful?

Speech-language pathology can be a stressful occupation due to varied caseloads, documentation demands, and emotional challenges. However, many professionals find it to be a rewarding job through patient progress and meaningful therapeutic relationships.

Speech-language pathology can be stressful because of the many demands professionals face in their daily work. Stress levels may vary depending on the setting, patient population, and workload, but several common factors contribute to the challenge.

Some reasons why SLPs may experience stress include:

• Managing large or diverse caseloads with varying needs
• Keeping up with extensive documentation and reporting requirements
• Navigating insurance or school system regulations and expectations
• Supporting patients with complex medical or developmental conditions
• Experiencing emotional strain when progress is slow or setbacks occur