Speech-language pathologists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$95,410
~$46/hr · ~$7,951/mo
US Jobs
187K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
Speech-language pathology involves a significant amount of digital-adjacent work, such as analyzing speech patterns, documenting progress, and developing treatment plans, all of which are highly susceptible to AI enhancement. However, the core of the job requires physical presence for swallowing therapy, real-time interpersonal coaching, and high-stakes clinical judgment that limits full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, COBEST VALUE | $126,890 | Average (100.6) | $126,116 |
| El Centro, CA | $122,100 | Average (100.2) | $121,916 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $112,520 | Below avg (92.4) | $121,803 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $135,860 | Above avg (113.1) | $120,167 |
| Merced, CA | $119,430 | Average (99.6) | $119,888 |
| Farmington, NM | $102,750 | Below avg (87.0) | $118,076 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $105,500 | Below avg (89.9) | $117,355 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $104,780 | Below avg (89.9) | $116,582 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $106,500 | Below avg (92.8) | $114,824 |
| Yuba City, CA | $118,890 | Above avg (103.8) | $114,562 |
| Santa Fe, NM | $107,350 | Below avg (94.1) | $114,124 |
| Casper, WY | $105,260 | Below avg (92.5) | $113,748 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $128,700 | Above avg (113.7) | $113,166 |
| Pueblo, CO | $105,100 | Below avg (93.0) | $113,008 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $122,490 | Above avg (109.1) | $112,282 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Master's degree
10-Year Growth
+15% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$46/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,951/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)