The Salary Range of an Assistant in Speech Language

Speech pathology assistants work with both children and adult clients.

Speech-language pathology assistants work under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists in schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They may help with screenings, materials preparation and administration of treatment plans, although diagnosis and plan development are left up to speech-language pathologists. Although speech-language pathologists typically have master's degrees, assistants can get started with associate degrees from technical colleges. As a result, assistants earn less than licensed speech pathologists.

General Salary Information

According to a website maintained by Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California, speech-language pathology assistants make about $15 per hour to start, plus benefits. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association estimates that an assistant makes between 60 percent and 75 percent of a licensed speech pathologist's wages. Applying these percentages to 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics data for speech-language pathologists, assistants can make anywhere between $12.40 and $15.50 per hour on the low end, to between $29.90 and $37.40 on the high end.

Health Care Sector

According to a 2009 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association salary report for the health care sector, licensed speech-language pathologists made a median annual salary of $70,000 in this area of practice. Using the 60 percent to 75 percent figure, an assistant in the same work setting could earn an average salary between $42,000 and $52,500. Health care speech-language pathologists with four to six years of experience earned $60,000 per year, while those with 22 to 24 years of experience earned $80,000. In comparison, a speech pathology assistant with four to six years of health care experience could earn between $36,000 and $45,000; an assistant with 22 to 24 years of experience could make between $48,000 and $52,500.

Schools

According to 2010 information from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, fully licensed speech-language pathologists made $58,000 for a nine- to 10-month working year in elementary schools, while those in high schools earned $61,000. Based on the association's percentages, an elementary school-based assistant could earn between $34,800 and $43,500 annually. In comparison, an assistant in a secondary school might earn between $36,000 and $45,750. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association also reported that speech-language pathologists who worked the full calendar year --- 11 or 12 months --- averaged $65,000 annually. An assistant with the same work schedule could earn between $39,000 and $48,750.

Career Information

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, what you need to work as a speech pathology assistant varies by state. Although certain states only require a high school diploma, others require a bachelor's degree plus internship experience. Certain states prohibit the use of speech-language pathology assistants altogether, so verify the regulations for your state before pursuing an education. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association maintains a state-by-state page that breaks down the rules by region. College Board's information about the profession advises that speech pathology assistants need strong communication skills, compassion and patience.

References

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Frequently Asked Questions --- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)
• Evergreen Valley College Career Bridges: Speech Pathology Assistance
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Schools Survey; Sept. 2010
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; SLP Health Care Survey; 2009
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010, Speech-Language Pathologists
• College Board: Career --- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Resources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: ASHA State-by-State