Recruiting Trends -- Speech-language pathology (SLP) is reportedly the ninth highest paying profession for women according to a recent article published in Forbes.com. Based on a 2008 analysis from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, the article states that the median yearly earnings for SLPs are $58,448. The speech-language pathology profession is the only occupation on the list as reported by Forbes that actually shows no gender pay gap. SLPs evaluate and diagnose and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders and work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, and in private practice. “The SLP profession is extremely rewarding across a career lifetime,” says ASHA President, Sue Hale. “I invite visitors to ASHA’s Web site to watch videos of our members talking about the intangible rewards they receive helping others….” Speech-language pathology is forecasted to grow faster than average through the year 2014. Members of the baby boom generation are now entering middle age, when the possibility of neurological disorders and associated speech, language, swallowing, and hearing impairments increases. Employment in educational services will also increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders will also increase employment.
