Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
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.
Also called: Communication Assistant · Speech Assistant · Speech Paraeducator · Speech Pathologist Assistant · Speech Therapy Assistant · Speech-Language Assistant
Median pay (national)
$46,050
$32,450–$68,180 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
103,650
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3.5%
~14,400 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for speech-language pathology assistants shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $68,180 versus $32,450 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $46,050 leaves roughly 48% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3.5% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 14,400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $72,700, +58% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $27,940 — a 160% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
- Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
- Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Audition
- Biofeedback software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Language analysis software
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Micro Video Video Voice Speech Training System
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Signal analysis software
- Speech analysis software
- Text to speech software
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft Excel
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Sociology and Anthropology