As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Speech Therapist in the United States is $47, which translates to an annual salary of about $97,293.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Speech Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Speech Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Speech Therapist | $95,369 |
| Intermediate Level Speech Therapist | $97,313 |
| Senior Level Speech Therapist | $100,403 |
| Specialist Level Speech Therapist | $100,712 |
| Expert Level Speech Therapist | $101,226 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Speech Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.98% |
| Rehabilitation Services | 3.67% |
| Infection Control | 2.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interviewing
|
$99,239 |
2%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$99,239 |
2%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$98,266 |
1%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$98,266 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$98,266 |
1%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$97,293 |
0%
|
Speech Therapist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $103,201. While startup companies pay approximate $87,942.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $87,942 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $92,834 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $99,826 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $103,201 |
For Speech Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Speech Therapist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Speech Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $116,752 | $56.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Speech Therapists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Speech Therapist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $89,389 and $94,332).
Speech Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.1% |
| Associates | 0.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 92.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a Speech Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Speech Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,260 in 2023 to around $111,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Speech Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,260 |
| 2024 | $113,619 |
| 2025 | $111,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Speech Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
There is no need to debate the differences between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist. These roles are the same—they require a Master of Science (MS) or higher in Speech-Language Pathology. They are licensed to treat various communication disorders among people of all ages. The salary for speech therapists ranges from $84,653 to $102,933, with a median of $93,383.
Speech therapy can be considered a well-paying job, with salaries ranging from $84,653 to $102,933 annually. The median salary is approximately $93,383, indicating a competitive income in the field. While some states, like California, may offer higher averages, the overall compensation for speech therapists is quite favorable.
There is no need to debate the differences between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist; they are the same profession. Both require a Master of Science (MS) or higher in Speech-Language Pathology and are licensed to treat various communication disorders across all ages. The salary for this role ranges from $84,653 to $102,933, with a median of $93,383.
Speech pathology is indeed a challenging major, requiring a strong commitment and an undergraduate degree. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you'll need to complete prerequisites for graduate school. While math skills can be developed, they shouldn't deter you. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $84,653 to $102,933, reflecting the field's demand and complexity.
SLPs typically earn between $84,653 and $102,933 annually, with a median salary of $93,383. This is generally higher than teachers' salaries, which can vary by location and experience. On average, SLPs may earn around $10,000 more each year than their teaching counterparts, depending on specific salary schedules.
The states that typically offer the highest salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) include California, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Hawaii, and New Jersey. Salaries in these areas can range from a minimum of $84,653 to a mid-range of $93,383, reaching up to a maximum of $102,933, reflecting the demand and cost of living in these regions.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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