As a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), you probably already know you’re in a growing field. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the Speech Pathologist job outlook 2025 is looking bright, with expected growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029. That’s 40,500 SLP job openings. If you’re seeking new opportunities, we have job openings.
AB Staffing is a leader in healthcare staffing, including placing Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) in schools and skilled nursing facilities.
2025 Speech Language Pathologist Outlook
As an SLP staffing agency, we partner with you to learn about your professional goals. Have you always wanted to live in a specific part of the country? Are you interested in practicing in underserved communities? Are you exploring life as a traveler? Our recruiters are here to help you find the best fit for you.
Job Growth Statistics
As with the rising demand for other therapies, Speech Language Pathologists are in demand nationwide. The demand is due to early intervention and federal mandates like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act expanding special education programs in schools. As an aging population, we need services for stroke recovery and neurological disorders. There is also an expected increase in retirement rates and, at the same time, a greater need for private practice SLPs. All of this means more significant contract opportunities for Speech Language Pathologists.
Salary Insights
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Speech Language Pathologists is $89,290, and a Master’s Degree is required. Experience matters when it comes to earning power. It is estimated that SLPs with 0-3 years of experience earn $85,000 per year while those with 15 or more years earn six figures. Where you work also matters. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics:
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $99,340
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $95,620
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists: $93,510
- Educational services; state, local, and private: $75,270
Top paying cities include New York, Los Angeles, and Miami because of the cost of living and high-demand populations. Other factors that influence salary include caseload size and experience.
As with nursing, you can boost your earnings by specializing. SLPs specialize in child language disorders and swallowing disorders.
SLP Work Settings
Speech language pathologist job outlook 2025 includes a demand in schools, hospitals, and private practice.
- School-based SLPs work with children on language development and fluency challenges. Despite traditionally lower pay than other settings, schools offer flexibility, school breaks off, and benefits like health insurance, retirement planning, and fair caseloads.
- Healthcare facilities like rehabilitation centers and specialized hospitals provide care for patients recovering from strokes, swallowing difficulties, and neurological conditions. SLPs will have varied hours and shifts a larger and more complex caseload than school-based SLPs, but they also earn more.
- Private Practice SLPs often specialize and work with niche populations. They set their hours. Earning power correlates directly to the number of clients, billing rates, and business success. The caseload varies depending on what the practitioner wants to do. They are also less likely to experience burnout because they are focused on a specialty, unlike hospital SLPs, which have a large and varied caseload.
As you explore opportunities, we encourage you to connect with our recruiters, who understand the details and demands of contracts in each of these work settings.
Speech Language Pathologist Specialties
Choosing a specialty enhances career prospects, opportunities, and job satisfaction.
Popular specializations include:
- Pediatrics: Working with children with developmental delays, autism, or articulation disorders.
- Geriatrics: Helping older adults with swallowing difficulties or conditions like Parkinson’s disease or stroke recovery.
- Bilingual Therapy: Serving non-English-speaking populations or bilingual individuals.
Specializing increases earning potential and allows SLPs to focus on the most rewarding areas.
Working in a growing field as a Speech Language Pathologist in 2025 is fueled by your passion and the evolving needs and services of the population served. If you’re looking for open SLP positions, check out our Job Board and contact us today!