The Salary for Speech Therapy Jobs
Speech therapists, sometimes referred to as speech-language pathologists, are involved with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with the voice, speech and swallowing. They frequently work in educational and healthcare environments, helping patients who are physically or mentally unable to produce clear speech patterns. A number of factors, such as employment type, education and experience play a role in determining a speech therapist's income potential.
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Function
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Speech therapists help people who are unable to communicate vocally because of a physical or mental impairment to speak, or to communicate by non-speech methods. They use a variety of sophisticated instruments to assess the level of the patient's medical or developmental impairment then develop a personalized treatment plan. They typically work one-on-one with patients in a clinical environment and are responsible for keeping detailed medical records of their findings and progress.
Income
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, the median annual income for speech therapists as of May 2008 was $62,930. Income levels varied widely, ranging from less than $41,240 to more than $99,220. The BLS notes that speech therapists working in elementary and secondary education environments tend to earn the lowest average income, while those working in nursing care facilities earned the highest average income.
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Time Frame
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Experience can play a role in determining a speech therapist's income, according to PayScale.com. Speech therapists with less than 10 years of experience average earnings of between $38,541 and $54,366. Those with more than 10 years on the job can average as much as $70,377, as of 2010.
Benefits
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Salary accounts for approximately 72 percent of a speech therapist's total compensation, according to Salary.com. Paid time off accounts for nearly nine percent of income. Employer contributions to government and private retirement programs covers an additional 12 percent of a speech therapist's total compensation. The remainder is made up of employer contributions to health, life and disability insurance.
Considerations
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Most states regulate the practice of speech therapists, according to the BLS. Licensure typically requires a minimum of a master's degree in addition to successful completion of qualifying examinations. Certification by an independent credentialing organization such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association may improve a candidates employment opportunities. The demand for speech therapists should grow by approximately 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS, with the greatest opportunities for those in private practice.
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References
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