Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Speech-Language Pathologists earn around $95,410. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $129,010 compared to $74,777 in Louisiana. Approximately 423,240 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 147 accredited institutions offer Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Central Florida (UCF) (299 graduates), New York University (NYU) (277 graduates), and University of South Florida (USF) (200 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 6,620 in 2010 to a peak of 7,880 in 2020, before declining slightly to 7,724 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Audiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 423,240 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.