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Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salary in the United States

How much does a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA in the United States is $78,746 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,479
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,390 to $97,450
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,140
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salaries

A Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA'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.

How Experience Level Affects Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $75,210
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $77,921
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $85,622
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $86,448
  • Expert (over 8 years): $86,998
Levels Salary
Entry Level Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA$75,210
Intermediate Level Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA$77,921
Senior Level Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA$85,622
Specialist Level Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA$86,448
Expert Level Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA$86,998
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How Do Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Language pathology assistant / SLPAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $87,187.
  • California: $86,857.
  • Massachusetts: $85,699.

Top Paying Cities for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPAs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $99,322
  • San Francisco: $98,235
  • Oakland: $96,164

What Skills Can Increase a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Teamwork (Mentioned in 4.25% Job Postings): Teamwork is a skill consist of interrelated abilities that let you work effectively in an organized group. Teamwork skills are vital to employers, as teams are a basic organizational unit within many companies.
  • Audiology (Mentioned in 2.12% Job Postings): Audiology is the study of hearing - as the inner ear is also required for balance, this is also included in the study. In medical terms it is the branch of science dedicated to the study of hearing, balance and their associated disorders.
  • Diversity and Inclusion (Mentioned in 0.97% Job Postings): Developing and promoting acquaintance, empowerment, and integration of each unique individual to create a productive and safe working environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Teamwork 4.25%
Audiology 2.12%
Diversity and Inclusion 0.97%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA's salary.

  • Instructing: Can increase your salary by up to 46%.
  • Home Care: Can increase your salary by up to 40%.
  • Pathology: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Instructing $114,969
46%
Home Care $110,244
40%
Pathology $98,432
25%
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Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$86,620$42.010%

How Education impacts a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPAs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Language pathology assistant / SLPA with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $80,136 and $96,693).

Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.1%
High School 5.1%
Associates 6.3%
Bachelors 41.8%
Masters 40.5%
Doctorate 6.3%
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Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA'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 September 01, 2026
$66,390
Average $78,746/year
$97,450
$5,532
Average $6,562/month
$8,121
$1,277
Average $1,514/week
$1,874
$32
Average $38/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,450 $8,121 $1,874 $47
Average $78,746 $6,562 $1,514 $38
25th Percentile $66,390 $5,532 $1,277 $32

Most common benefits for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA

Here are companies hiring for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Speech Language pathology assistant / SLPA roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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