Occupation · SOC 31-9099.01
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
Median wage
$46,050
$32,450–$68,180
Projected growth
+3.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
380
per year
Employed (US)
103,650
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
132 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingWriting
Knowledge areas
English LanguageEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingPsychologyCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Music or sound editing softwareMedical softwareElectronic mail softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Treatment plans provided by the supervising speech-language pathologist — implement basic therapy activities under direct supervision in a clinical or school-based setting.Client progress notes — document observable behaviors and responses toward established treatment objectives using structured templates under clinician guidance.Speech-language instructional materials — select and prepare from an existing library of resources under direction for scheduled therapy sessions.Client performance data — collect and record using standardized data sheets during supervised therapy activities in a clinical environment.Therapy room supplies and materials — maintain, restock, and organize to support daily session readiness under supervisor direction.Client scheduling and records — perform administrative support tasks such as filing, updating charts, and confirming appointments using office suite software.Screening protocols — assist the supervising speech-language pathologist in administering language, articulation, and fluency screenings with direct oversight.Active listening skills — apply during client interactions to follow session instructions and recognize client responses in a structured therapy environment.Electronic health record software — enter basic session notes and client information accurately under supervision in a healthcare or school setting.Visual performance displays such as simple charts or graphs — prepare using spreadsheet software to represent client data as directed by the supervising clinician.
developing
Established treatment protocols — implement routinely across a caseload of clients with varied communication disorders with reduced day-to-day oversight in a school or outpatient clinic.Client progress data — compile and analyze across multiple sessions using analytical or scientific software to identify patterns in performance with minimal guidance.Speech and language remediation activities — assist in delivering with growing independence, adapting pacing and prompting strategies to individual client needs.Instructional materials for articulation, fluency, and language goals — select, customize, and prepare to align with each client's active treatment objectives.Session documentation and progress records — write accurate, professional session notes and update client charts in medical software following established clinic formats.Charts, graphs, and visual summaries — prepare using spreadsheet and word processing software to communicate client performance trends to supervising clinicians.Client screening sessions — conduct the procedural components of language, voice, and hearing screenings under general supervision, flagging results for SLP review.Social perceptiveness and empathy — apply consistently when engaging clients across age groups to monitor engagement, comfort, and behavioral responses during therapy.Text-to-speech and music or sound editing software — operate to support augmentative communication and auditory processing activities within prescribed treatment plans.Program quality data — collect and compile systematically across a client group to support the supervising SLP's evaluation of caseload outcomes.
proficient
Full scope of assigned treatment plans — implement autonomously across a diverse caseload of clients with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders in school or clinic settings.Non-routine client responses during therapy — identify, assess, and adapt session strategies within scope of practice, reporting significant changes promptly to the supervising SLP.Comprehensive client performance documentation — produce detailed progress reports, data summaries, and visual displays that inform SLP decision-making without prompting.Complex instructional material packages — design and organize, integrating multiple modalities including digital, printed, and technology-assisted tools to maximize therapy effectiveness.Screening and assessment support — execute all procedural elements of comprehensive client assessments alongside the SLP, contributing skilled data collection and behavioral observations.Critical thinking and judgment — apply when evaluating whether a client's performance data signals a meaningful trend requiring escalation to the supervising clinician.Internet browser, medical software, and electronic communication platforms — use fluently to coordinate client services, access updated clinical resources, and correspond professionally.Active learning strategies — employ to stay current with evolving therapy techniques and evidence-based practices relevant to the speech-language pathology assistant role.Client and family interactions — conduct with clear oral and written communication skills, explaining session activities and home practice instructions in accessible language.Caseload records and administrative systems — manage with precision and dependability, ensuring all scheduling, supply inventories, and documentation meet compliance standards.
advanced
Evidence-based therapy material libraries and data collection systems — develop and standardize across a program or department to elevate consistency and quality of SLPA-delivered services.Emerging SLPA practitioners — mentor and train in treatment implementation, documentation standards, and professional conduct within supervised clinical or school environments.Program quality assessment data — lead the compilation, analysis, and presentation of caseload-wide performance metrics to inform program improvement initiatives.Collaborative relationships with speech-language pathologists, educators, and administrators — cultivate and sustain to advocate for client-centered service delivery at an organizational level.Complex screening and data-collection workflows — design and refine to increase efficiency and accuracy across multi-site or high-volume caseload settings.Technology integration strategies — champion the adoption of medical software, text-to-speech tools, and analytical platforms to modernize service delivery within the SLPA scope.Professional development curricula for SLPA support staff — contribute to by modeling advanced competencies, leading in-service sessions, and sharing best practices across the team.Organizational policies and procedures for SLPA services — inform and review in partnership with supervising SLPs and administrators to ensure regulatory compliance and ethical standards.Systemic barriers to client communication access — identify at the program level and propose actionable solutions to supervision teams, reflecting advanced problem sensitivity and advocacy.Cross-functional care teams including educators, psychologists, and healthcare providers — engage with professionally and effectively to support holistic client outcomes across service settings.
Also known as
24 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Anatomic Pathology AssistantCertified Pathology AssistantCommunication AssistantHearing and Speech AssistantLanguage AssistantPathology AssistantSchool SLPA (School Speech Language Pathologist Assistant)School SLPA (School Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant)SLPA (Speech and Language Pathology Assistant)SLPA (Speech Language Pathologist Assistant)Speech and Language AssistantSpeech AssistantSpeech Correction AssistantSpeech Language AssistantSpeech ParaeducatorSpeech Pathologist AssistantSpeech Pathology AssistantSpeech Pathology InternSpeech Therapy AssistantSpeech-Language AssistantSpeech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)Speech-Language Pathologists Assistant (SLPA)Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)Speech-Language Technician