Speech pathology involves assisting those with communication issues. There is a growing demand for specialists in the United States, and this will increase over the coming years.
People of all ages can have trouble forming the sounds and words that allow them to communicate effectively. In the young, it can often be related to developmental issues. In later life, this may impact those who have had accidents or become cognitively impaired due to illness. Speech-language pathologists are the professionals who help them out, and with a shortage in the United States, it may be a career path you wish to consider.
The Role of a Speech Pathologist
Speech and language pathologists, often referred to as SLPs, are those who assess and treat speech disorders, along with issues regarding swallowing and chewing. This also extends to social and cognitive communication.
On top of this, they often find themselves providing rehabilitation for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Those with disorders that impair language comprehension and expressive disorders, such as autism or neurological disorders, may get alternative communication arranged for them by an SLP. Even individuals who don’t have disorders but want to communicate more effectively may visit an SLP.
Demand and Compensation
In the United States, around 7.7% of adults and 7.6% of children experience issues with their speech or have trouble swallowing. In the run-up to 2034, the US has predicted an increase in demand of 15% for those in this position. This means those following this area as a career will have a great range of options regarding where and how they want to work.
The average salary for speech pathologist is dictated by their level of qualification and experience. Those working in the elementary and secondary school sector have a median of around $80,280. For those working in home health care services, this can be as high as $121,260.
Wages are also impacted by the geographical location in which you work. Those in the Pacific regions tend to have a higher median wage, followed by those in urban settings. Conversely, those in rural settings earn less but are in much higher demand.
Where Do SLPs Work?
There are several settings you may find yourself working in if you become an SLP. The most common are hospitals. It is here you will most likely be required to rehabilitate those who have had accidents that have impaired speech or incidents like strokes which require treatment.
Educational establishments also require them, ranging from pre-schools to universities. In these locations, you are more likely to encounter young people who have developmental issues with their speech. In a 2023 survey, 78.5% of SLPs reported job openings that exceeded the number of candidates. This does not just mean you have options, but it signals that thousands of students need assistance and are waiting for it.
Lastly, state and federal agencies also require SLPs. These could be in prisons or even for work in large organizations such as the army.
The Advantages of Being an SLP
Few jobs will be as rewarding as a career in speech-language pathology. If you work in schools and educational settings, you will be changing the lives of young people. Allowing them to finally communicate will let them flourish in other areas, socially and academically. This will be the same type of satisfaction you will get by helping people piece their later lives back together after major trauma.
While you will be working in given settings, the career also has a high level of flexibility. Those qualified and in demand can choose their own schedules. This will let them work weekends if they wish, or they may choose to do a standard nine-to-five in the week. By choosing short-term contracts, it can also open up the door to a global career in international schools and companies.
Lastly, as your career progresses, you can choose to specialise in a given area. Children’s language disorders are an area of focus. Other skills include fibre optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. This uses a special device to see into the mouth to evaluate any issues with swallowing. Some people also choose to work in alternative and augmented communication devices, which involves the use of technology, through devices and tablets to help individuals practice their speech.
There are some downsides. Being an SLP requires a lot of training due to the demands of the role. It requires a master’s degree, so you do need to undertake a lot of study. This does, however, provide a great level of care and foster trust in the profession. Many SLPs also overwork themselves due to a lack of others in the field, so anyone joining must make sure they balance work and life.
An SLP career is not for everyone, yet for those who choose it, it is hugely rewarding. It takes time and effort, but both financially and holistically it will be worth it.
