Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

31-9099.01 Zone 3 — Medium Preparation Needed

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 known as: Anatomic Pathology Assistant, Certified Pathology Assistant, Communication Assistant, Hearing and Speech Assistant, Language Assistant, Pathology Assistant, School SLPA (School Speech Language Pathologist Assistant), School SLPA (School Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant), ...

Annual Salary

$46,050

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$37,570 25th – 75th percentile $57,650
10th percentile $32,450
90th percentile $68,180
U.S. Employment: 103,650

Job Outlook

+3.5%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (About average)

Annual Job Openings 14,400 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent

What You'd Do

  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
  • Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
  • Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
  • Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
  • Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
  • Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
  • Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
  • Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.

Top Skills

Active Listening 4.0
Reading Comprehension 3.8
Speaking 3.8
Social Perceptiveness 3.5
Service Orientation 3.4
Monitoring 3.4
Complex Problem Solving 3.3
Writing 3.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

English Language 4.6
Education and Training 4.2
Therapy and Counseling 3.7
Psychology 3.6
Customer and Personal Service 3.4
Administrative 3.4
Computers and Electronics 2.8
Sociology and Anthropology 2.6

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Associate's
57.7%
Bachelor's
23.3%
Post-Bacc Cert
14.1%
Master's
4.8%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

Other Tools

Adobe Audition Biofeedback software Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources Email software 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 Word processing software

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.7
Attention to Detail
2.7
Dependability
2.6
Cooperation
2.5
Empathy
2.2
Social Orientation
2.1
Integrity
2.0
Optimism

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 4.0
Oral Expression 4.0
Speech Recognition 4.0
Speech Clarity 4.0
Written Comprehension 3.9
Written Expression 3.9
Problem Sensitivity 3.6
Information Ordering 3.6

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.6
Getting Information 4.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 4.2
Documenting/Recording Information 4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 4.0
Assisting and Caring for Others 4.0
Thinking Creatively 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Contact With Others
4.8
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.7
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.3
E-Mail
4.3
Physical Proximity
4.2
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.1
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.0
Telephone Conversations
3.8
Frequency of Decision Making
3.7
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
3.7
Spend Time Sitting
3.6
Health and Safety of Other Workers
3.6

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.