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.
Also called: Anatomic Pathology Assistant, Certified Pathology Assistant, Communication Assistant, Hearing and Speech Assistant, Language Assistant, Pathology Assistant
Median pay
$48,430
Pay for the broader BLS group “Healthcare Support Workers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,770 – $71,470
People employed
109,740
Whole BLS group
Holland code
SCI
Social · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Healthcare Support Workers, All Other”.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants salary in every state →
What speech-language pathology assistants do
- 01Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- 02Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- 03Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
- 04Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- 05Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- 06Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from speech-language pathology assistants
- Occupational Therapy Assistants91% · —
- Psychiatric Technicians87% · —
- Occupational Therapy Aides85% · —
- Physical Therapist Assistants82% · —
- Patient Representatives79% · group pay
Change into speech-language pathology assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Patient Representatives79% · $50,290
- Psychiatric Technicians77% · $45,130
- Social and Human Service Assistants76% · $45,930
- Adapted Physical Education Specialists75% · $76,580
- Community Health Workers75% · $51,850
Majors that lead here
- Health Unit Coordinator/Ward Clerk
- Medical/Health Management and Clinical Assistant/Specialist
- Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller
- Medical Staff Services Technology/Technician
- Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other
- Radiologist Assistant
- Lactation Consultant
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other
- Medication Aide
- Rehabilitation Aide
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.