What Does it Take to Be a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Example 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.
A Day in the Life of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
- Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Document clients’ progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.
- Collect and compile data to document clients’ performance or assess program quality.
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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Needed Skills
These are the skills Speech-Language Pathology Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Jobs
- Speech - Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
- Communication Assistant
- Language Assistant
- Anatomic Pathology Assistant
- Speech Correction Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 97,300 jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,400 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,700 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant are Utah, Alaska, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Oklahoma, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
The salary for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants ranges between about $23,210 and $56,230 a year.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants who work in Delaware, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,290 |
Alaska | $45,830 |
Arizona | $41,210 |
Arkansas | $39,150 |
California | $44,820 |
Colorado | $33,600 |
Connecticut | $38,750 |
Delaware | $50,820 |
District of Columbia | $51,830 |
Florida | $38,690 |
Georgia | $41,430 |
Hawaii | $37,540 |
Idaho | $34,930 |
Illinois | $41,230 |
Indiana | $34,240 |
Iowa | $38,420 |
Kansas | $38,900 |
Kentucky | $38,570 |
Louisiana | $29,380 |
Maine | $34,580 |
Maryland | $39,820 |
Massachusetts | $40,690 |
Michigan | $30,980 |
Minnesota | $36,390 |
Mississippi | $37,330 |
Missouri | $42,800 |
Montana | $35,200 |
Nebraska | $38,470 |
Nevada | $43,110 |
New Hampshire | $32,410 |
New Jersey | $36,540 |
New Mexico | $39,210 |
New York | $37,380 |
North Carolina | $34,080 |
North Dakota | $37,830 |
Ohio | $38,330 |
Oklahoma | $40,710 |
Oregon | $41,890 |
Pennsylvania | $41,530 |
Rhode Island | $37,320 |
South Carolina | $42,860 |
South Dakota | $42,730 |
Tennessee | $35,030 |
Texas | $42,640 |
Utah | $37,720 |
Vermont | $41,660 |
Virginia | $41,860 |
Washington | $44,230 |
West Virginia | $43,770 |
Wisconsin | $35,100 |
Wyoming | $40,530 |
What Tools & Technology do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Speech analysis software
- Biofeedback software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Propeller Multimedia React2
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Learn what Speech-Language Pathology Assistant education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Work

Below are examples of industries where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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