← All careers

Healthcare

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$48,430

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$35k – $71k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Speech-Language Pathology Assistants" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

    Entry / Junior

    $34,770

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

    Established

    $48,430

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

    Senior

    $59,950

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.
  • •Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Healthcare

Explore all

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.