Healthcare Support
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Also called: Communication Assistant, Speech Assistant, Speech Paraeducator, Speech Pathologist Assistant
US median pay
$48,430
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
14,100
113,900 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
- Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
- Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
- Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.5/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Systems Evaluation2.8/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.5/5
- Education and Training4.2/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.7/5
- Psychology3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Administrative3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree58%
- Bachelor's degree23%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.