Also called: SLP, Speech therapist
Helps students with speech, language, stuttering, and communication challenges.
School SLPs play language games with kindergarteners who have trouble with sounds, help a teenager who stutters, and set up communication devices for nonverbal students. They write IEPs and work with teachers. SLPs are in very high demand.
BLS speech-language pathologists, May 2024; school-based pay is often somewhat lower.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship, and state license/ASHA certification.
Ways in: Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Communication Sciences & Disorders, Linguistics, Psychology.
Growing much faster than average (about 15% over 10 years). BLS projects ~15% growth, 2024-34.
Low risk for 10 years. AI apps help with practice drills and note writing; diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders in person stays human.
Classes: Psychology, Biology, AP English Language.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1127.
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