Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs equip professionals to support licensed speech-language pathologists in delivering comprehensive communication and swallowing services across the lifespan. This role emphasizes hands-on collaboration in clinical, educational, and research environments, ensuring accurate implementation of treatment plans and effective patient documentation.
- Speech and Language Development: Explores the foundational stages of how individuals acquire spoken and written language, from infancy through adulthood, with an emphasis on typical and atypical growth patterns.
- Phonetics and Phonology: Focuses on the scientific study of speech sounds, including their production, perception, and organization within language systems, critical for diagnosing articulation and phonological disorders.
- Communication Disorders in Children and Adults: Examines a broad spectrum of conditions affecting speech, language, voice, fluency, and cognitive-communication skills across diverse age groups and developmental stages.
- Speech and Hearing Screening Techniques: Teaches standardized methods for identifying potential communication or hearing impairments in early detection and referral processes.
- Clinical Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology: Provides practical training in assisting with diagnostic evaluations, therapy implementation, data collection, and adherence to ethical and professional standards under clinical supervision.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Speech-Language Pathology Assistant degrees, including Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 103,650 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 31-9099 | $46,050 | $32,450 - $68,180 | 103,650 | $22.14 |
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,030 in Louisiana to $72,700 in District of Columbia—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 103,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is found at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) (67 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (43 graduates), St. Joseph's University (SJNY), New York (34 graduates), The University of Montana (UM) (33 graduates), and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) (32 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 363 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
67 | Avondale, Arizona | Public | estrellamountain.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
43 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| St. Joseph's University (SJNY) |
Bachelor's
|
34 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | sjny.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
33 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Associate's
|
27 | Portales, New Mexico | Public | enmu.edu |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Alexandria, Minnesota | Public | alextech.edu |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | Hudson, North Carolina | Public | cccti.edu |
| Rockhurst University |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | rockhurst.edu |
| Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | occc.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) |
Associate's
|
11 | Mitchell, South Dakota | Public | mitchelltech.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
4 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Caribbean University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | caribbean.edu |
| Charter Oak State College |
Other Award
|
2 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | charteroak.edu |
| Caribbean University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | caribbean.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs
How much can I earn with a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant degree?
Salaries for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant graduates vary by role and location. Healthcare Support Workers, All Other earn a median of $46,050 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $72,700 compared to $33,030 in Louisiana. Approximately 103,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Speech-Language Pathology Assistant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) (67 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (43 graduates), and St. Joseph's University (SJNY), New York (34 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 25 in 2010 to 363 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,352% 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.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 103,650 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.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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