Q: What is a Speech Language Pathologist?

Speech language pathologists , also called SLPs , are therapists that evaluate, diagnose, and treat an array of speech, language, and cognitive communication issues, including swallowing disorders that can occur in both adults and children. As experts in communication, SLPs work with all types of patients, from adult stroke victims to children with developmental delays in a variety of health care, education, and research settings. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals , there’s a shortage of speech language pathologists, especially in schools, due to the aging population, growing rate of autism which often presents speech disorders, and limited openings in graduate programs. Most speech language pathologists work in health care or educational settings with a majority working at schools. They also work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and long-term residential health care facilities. Some may work in a private practice or work in the government sector. Speech Language Pathologists at a glance Scope of practice: Evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive communication, social (pragmatic) communication, literacy, and swallowing disorders in children and adults Help aphasia patients find ways to communicate Evaluate swallowing ability and prescribe appropriate diets Train and education family members, caregivers, and other professionals Collaborate with other care team members Develop new treatment methods by conducting research

Q: What certifications are commonly held by speech language pathologists?

Speech language pathologists may hold Basic Life Support ( BLS ) or Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology ( CCC-SLP ), among others.

Question 1

How much do staff SLP jobs pay?

Accepted Answer

For jobs available on Vivian as of Tuesday, March 31st 2026, the average hourly salary for a Speech Language Pathologist is $53 per hour, but can pay up to $90 per hour.

Question 2

Does Vivian have any per diem SLP  jobs?

Accepted Answer

As of Tuesday, March 31st 2026, Vivian has 44 jobs listed for per diem SLP jobs. These jobs pay $59 per hour on average and up to $90 per hour for the highest-paying role.

Question 3

Does Vivian have any local contract SLP jobs?

Accepted Answer

As of Tuesday, March 31st 2026, Vivian has 151 listings for local contract SLP jobs. These jobs pay $55 per hour on average, and up to $80 per hour for the top-paying job listed.

Question 4

Does Vivian have any travel SLP jobs?

Accepted Answer

As of Tuesday, March 31st 2026, Vivian has 4,621 listings for travel SLP jobs. These jobs pay $2,196 per hour on average, and up to $3,767 per hour for the top-paying job listed.

Question 5

Where can I learn more about working as a SLP?

Accepted Answer

Take a look at Vivian's SLP Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.

Question 6

What is a Speech Language Pathologist?

Accepted Answer

Speech language pathologists, also called SLPs, are therapists that evaluate, diagnose, and treat an array of speech, language, and cognitive communication issues, including swallowing disorders that can occur in both adults and children. As experts in communication, SLPs work with all types of patients, from adult stroke victims to children with developmental delays in a variety of health care, education, and research settings.

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, there’s a shortage of speech language pathologists, especially in schools, due to the aging population, growing rate of autism which often presents speech disorders, and limited openings in graduate programs.

Most speech language pathologists work in health care or educational settings with a majority working at schools. They also work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and long-term residential health care facilities. Some may work in a private practice or work in the government sector.

Speech Language Pathologists at a glance

Scope of practice:

Evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive communication, social (pragmatic) communication, literacy, and swallowing disorders in children and adults
Help aphasia patients find ways to communicate
Evaluate swallowing ability and prescribe appropriate diets
Train and education family members, caregivers, and other professionals
Collaborate with other care team members
Develop new treatment methods by conducting research

Question 7

What certifications are commonly held by speech language pathologists?

Accepted Answer

Speech language pathologists may hold Basic Life Support (BLS) or Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), among others.

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Speech Language Pathologist

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$80K-100K/year

Speech Language Pathologist

$81K-100K/year

Speech Language Pathologist

$94K-98K/year

Speech Language Pathologist

$46/hour

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