How much does a speech therapist make?
Answer: A typical speech therapist in the United States makes $97,870 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 183,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Speech therapist pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $62,900 | $97,870 | $134,160 | about 183,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,970 | about 17,000 |
| Colorado | $110,750 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $105,550 | about 4,000 |
| Nevada | $104,510 | about 1,000 |
| Rhode Island | $104,000 | about 720 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, extra credentials or licenses, and the kind of work and employer, such as a school, clinic, or hospital. Location, employer size, and whether someone is paid by the year, hour, or visit can matter too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a speech therapist do?
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
What's a typical day like?
They assess a person's speech, language, or swallowing, then lead practice, such as sound or vocabulary exercises, and track progress. They may also advise families and work with teachers or health staff.
How to get this job
In the U.S., earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology, complete supervised clinical training, and pass the Praxis exam. Then complete a mentored clinical fellowship and apply for a state license; exact rules vary by state.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.
Did you know?
Some U.S. speech therapists can watch a child swallow food or drink mixed with barium on an X-ray to see where it goes.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm
- www.asha.org/certification/speech-language-pathology-pathway-to-certification
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1127.00
- www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/feeding-and-swallowing-disorders-in-childr
- careers.asha.org/Getting-The-Job/Determining-Salary
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY