Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in the United States
Based on 183K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$91,314
$43.901/hr
▲ 1.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$80K – $161K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
183K
workers nationwide
Speech-Language Pathologist salary in the United States averages $89,668 annually, reflecting the specialized training and credentials required for this healthcare profession. With approximately 178,170 workers currently employed in this field, speech-language pathologists play a vital role in helping patients improve communication and swallowing abilities across diverse clinical settings.
Compensation for speech-language pathologists varies considerably based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, work setting, and specialization. Those working in medical facilities or private practice often earn differently than their counterparts in schools or nonprofit organizations. Advanced certifications, caseload complexity, and regional demand also significantly influence earning potential, with salaries ranging from $67,150 to $153,930 annually.
Salary Distribution — Speech-Language Pathologist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,750 |
| 25th percentile | $98,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,314 |
| 75th percentile | $135,070 |
| 90th percentile | $160,900 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Speech-Language Pathologist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $118,970 | +30.3% | 17K |
| 2 | Colorado | $110,750 | +21.3% | 4K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $109,380 | +19.8% | 390 |
| 4 | Washington | $105,550 | +15.6% | 4K |
| 5 | Nevada | $104,510 | +14.5% | 1K |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $104,000 | +13.9% | 720 |
| 7 | Delaware | $102,760 | +12.5% | 690 |
| 8 | Alaska | $102,670 | +12.4% | 340 |
| 9 | Oregon | $102,660 | +12.4% | 2K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $101,560 | +11.2% | 7K |
Historical Salary Trend — Speech-Language Pathologist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,425 |
| 2023 | $86,662 |
| 2024 | $89,668 |
| 2025 | $91,314 |
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make per hour?
- Speech-language pathologists earn an average of $43 per hour in the United States. This translates to a median annual salary of $89,668, making it a competitive wage in the healthcare field.
What is the salary range for speech-language pathologists?
- Speech-language pathologist salaries in the US range from $67,150 at the lower end to $153,930 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employment setting.
Which state pays speech-language pathologists the most?
- California offers the highest pay for speech-language pathologists, with a top salary of $116,000 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median of $89,668.
How many speech-language pathologists are employed in the US?
- There are currently 178,170 speech-language pathologists employed across the United States. This represents a substantial workforce in the speech-language pathology profession.